School-based speech-language pathologists' perspectives on dysphagia management in the schools.

Purpose: Although provision of dysphagia services is within the scope of practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), little is known about the perspectives of school-based SLPs in relation to these services. The purpose of this study was to examine SLPs' perspectives related to school-based management of students with dysphagia.

Method: Focus group interviews were conducted with 33 SLPs who were employed by a large school district in the Midwest before development of district-supported policies and protocols related to dysphagia management.