Dysphagia (Adult) CEU Courses for SLPs

SLPs in residential care settings need an evidence-based tool to use for dysphagia screening. This course teaches clinicians differences between screenings and assessments, how to effectively use the Yale Swallow Protocol as a predictive tool, and its relationship to Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment.

Evidence-based treatments for patients near the end-of-life are discussed in this course. Patients' goals nearing the end of life and ways to integrate communication techniques and strategies to address nutritional challenges effectively are described.

This course provides the SLP with resources to prove the medical necessity for swallow instrumentation. An overview of the FEES procedure based on medical literature is provided, including labeling anatomy, describing swallow function as viewed on FEES, and outlining the benefits/limitations of FEES. Examples of when FEES may be the ideal choice of instrumentation are also discussed.

A comprehensive overview of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on swallowing performance in adults is provided in this course. Best practices for assessment of swallowing and the currently available evidence related to management of dysphagia associated with OSA are also discussed.

This course addresses the importance and methodology of writing goals that are family-centered in order to improve the outcomes of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The addition of Caregiver Education to the 2024 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes is also discussed.

Methods for assessing, understanding and intervening with patients who demonstrate reduced or minimal participation in dysphagia therapy are discussed in this course. The Transtheoretical Model (aka Stages of Change) and principles of Motivational Interviewing are described and applied to case examples to help clinicians identify barriers to progress, evaluate treatment readiness, and plan swallowing intervention.

The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.

A comprehensive overview of the characteristics of sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) and its impact on swallowing performance is provided in this course. Best practices for swallowing assessment and the evidence currently available to guide the management of dysphagia are described. Patient videos are used to highlight concepts discussed.

The research and theoretical framework behind trach/vent management, including elements of decision-making and risk assessment and management, are described in this course. A complex case study of resuming oral intake in a patient with trach/vent is presented to provide an in-depth look at real-world application of this information.

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.