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Why Are Empathy and Interprofessional Collaboration Vital in Dysphagia Management?

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP

January 15, 2025

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Question

Why are empathy and interprofessional collaboration vital in dysphagia management?
 

Answer

Empathy allows clinicians to connect with patients on a personal level, acknowledging their needs, concerns, and goals, which improves treatment adherence and satisfaction. Combining empathy with interprofessional collaboration—engaging a diverse team of healthcare providers—further enriches clinical care. Collaboration enables the integration of multiple perspectives, enhancing decision-making and reducing errors. Together, these elements ensure that care is not only evidence-based but also compassionate and patient-centered, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with dysphagia.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Medically Complex Decision-Making for the SLPpresented by George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP. 


george barnes

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders. He has developed expertise in dysphagia management, focusing on diagnostics and clinical decision-making in the medically complex population. George is passionate about making education useful and providing accessible, quality care. With a deep appreciation for the joy and connection that food brings to our lives, he has dedicated his life to helping others enjoy this simple but deep-rooted pleasure. Check out his blog, The Dysphagia Expert, at www.the-dysphagiaexpert.com/blog

 


Related Courses

Medically Complex Decision-Making for the SLP
Presented by George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Video

Presenter

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Course: #11086Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Thank you for this informative presentation!'   Read Reviews
How cognitive biases can create unforeseen errors in medical practice is discussed in this course. Implementing a six-step decision-making process can minimize those errors. A case study is described to show how the decision-making process looks in practice.

Aspiration Pneumonia Management in Complex Cases: Beyond the Swallow
Presented by George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Video

Presenter

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Course: #10271Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'I liked the powerpoint visuals to see each area and its impact on swallowing'   Read Reviews
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. How aspiration pneumonia develops, and a risk management approach that focuses not just on swallowing but on evaluating and treating the whole patient, are discussed. A multi-step system that can improve risk assessment and decision-making for patients with complex medical conditions and multiple risk factors for aspiration pneumonia is presented.

Aspiration Pneumonia Management in Complex Cases: Putting Theories into Practice
Presented by George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Video

Presenter

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Course: #10276Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Case studies were very helpful in seeing the patient as a whole'   Read Reviews
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Theories of aspiration pneumonia risk management are described in this course, including use of decision-making frameworks and management guidelines in interdisciplinary teams. Medically complex case studies are discussed to show how these theories can be put into practice to improve patient outcomes.

20Q: Beyond the Swallow - Tracheostomy Tube and Ventilator Management
Presented by George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Text

Presenter

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Course: #10056Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'GOOD DISCUSSION OF THE BASICS'   Read Reviews
This course addresses the various questions that may arise for the medical SLP involved in the care of patients with tracheostomy and/or mechanical ventilation. Topics include causes of respiratory failure, consequences of tracheostomy/ventilation, risk management related to intervention, and considerations for assessment and treatment of swallowing and communication, including the use of speaking valves.

Eating Again After Extubation: A Case Study
Presented by George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Video

Presenter

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP
Course: #10582Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Good information presented in an easy to understand manner'   Read Reviews
Key factors related to respiratory failure and oral intubation, including levels of respiratory support and effects of intubation on the larynx and swallow, are reviewed in this course. A decision-making framework for creating evidence-based, individualized plans of care is described within the context of a case study.

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