Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of significant challenge in the healthcare industry. In particular, hospitals worked diligently to develop protocols and guidelines to reduce viral transmission to both patients and staff. Service delivery concerning the instrumental assessment of swallowing evaluation was particularly challenging during the pandemic given the high risk of viral transmission to clinical staff. Clinical algorithms were developed with the goal of implementing a measured return to service delivery while preserving the clinical workforce. The conceptual development and evolution of the algorithms are discussed to highlight knowledge gained from the COVID-19 pandemic with the objective of assisting other professionals who perform essential functions in ensuring their safety and mitigating virus transmission. Should another healthcare crisis arise, insights from this experience can inform other institutions who want to prioritize both preservation of workforce and delivery of evidence-based care.
Keywords
COVID-19, Swallowing assessment, Safety, Algorithm, Staff