An NHS Grampian innovator who impressed during a collaborative regional competition has taken her idea to the next level following a national conference unveiling

Based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) clinical team lead Clare Tarr presented the development journey behind the first flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) training box at an event in Perth last month.

The data-informed training tool helps address barriers to expertise through a cost-effective, novel approach.

In April 2023, formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health and NHS Grampian jointly launched an innovation competition to identify the best ideas from the local workforce to improve patient care and staff experiences.

The initiative stimulated fresh thinking and laid a platform for new economic opportunities for NHS Grampian.

An NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Career Fellow, Clare was singled out by competition judges for her creative response to a workplace challenge, resulting in a training box that helps overcome limited SLT capacity in FEES and accelerates the specific training required.

The novel tool supports fellow SLTs by stimulating the navigation and technical skills essential for performing the procedure. It offers hidden visual challenges designed to sharpen precision and confidence before working with patients, encouraging safe scoping skills in a controlled environment.

An original prototype of the tool was designed in collaboration with 3rd year students from The Glasgow School of Art and it continues to be refined locally.

Clare said: “The concept and design of the training box were shaped by research data and feedback, helping to develop its potential further. It’s incredibly inspiring to see healthcare professionals valuing data-driven innovation and staying curious about new approaches to challenges.”

She was honoured to be invited to share her concept at the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) Scotland Day, held at Perth Concert Hall, in workshops focused on ‘Using Data to Demonstrate Impact — Stories, Strategies and Change’.

During a lightning talk, Clare presented the innovation’s background, highlighted the novel approach to overcoming barriers, and invited attendees to use data to drive similar innovation in clinical services.

Innovation Commercialisation Manager at InnoScot Health, Frances Ramsay, said: “We are delighted to see how Clare’s career has continued to flourish following the competition — particularly how her FEES training tool is becoming part of her approach to enhancing the skills of fellow SLTs.

“At the RCSLT Scotland Day, sharing the development journey with colleagues was a valuable opportunity to not only highlight the role of data in driving innovation but share the story behind the box outside of Grampian for the first time. We applaud her progress and commitment.”

The workshop explored how SLTs are “using data to make the case for their services, influence stakeholders, and improve outcomes.” Participants learned about large datasets and heard from AHP Fellows, including Clare, who are using data not only to develop services, but to do so with creativity and innovative mindsets to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.