Dysphagia (Adult) CEU Courses for SLPs

This is Part 2 of a two-part series. An overview of tracheostomy tube and mechanical ventilator management, including their effects on airflow, speech and swallowing, is provided in this course. Discussion includes speaking valves, common challenges, and ways to improve outcomes in this complex patient population.

A comprehensive, systematic clinical pathway to effectively assess and manage dysphagia in persons with dementia is described in this course. Common eating challenges and contraindications of enteral feeding for those with advanced stage dementia are addressed. Environmental modifications, swallow strategies and adaptive equipment that can enhance the safety and experience of oral intake are also discussed.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Respiratory disease, respiratory failure, oral intubation, effects of intubation on the larynx and the swallow, and dysphagia management are discussed in this course. Risk factors and salient features of dysphagia after extubation are described in order to help clinicians effectively evaluate and treat their patients.

Motor variability refers to the natural variation that occurs in repeated task movements. Evidence for this task variability in swallowing, and how it can be influenced by age-related changes (presbyphagia), are described in this course. Discussion includes ways to improve diagnostic accuracy by using this information to differentiate typical variation from true impairment in swallowing performance.

Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contra-indications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including medication impacts, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate product choices.

Patients who are losing weight or demonstrating behaviors that decrease oral intake are at high risk for adverse events, especially in the geriatric population. The impact of impaired cognition on feeding, and strategies to assess and treat patients who are struggling at mealtimes, are described in this course.

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.

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.

This is Part 2 of two-part series that provides an overview of reflux and its impact on our patients. This course discusses diagnostic tests for reflux and management with medications and diet. Available surgical and endoscopic treatments, as well as outcomes for individuals who have not had successful management utilizing pharmacology, are also addressed.

This course provides an overview of the medical SLP’s vital role in management of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Discussion includes swallow screenings, clinical and instrumental swallow evaluations and speech-language evaluations for this population, as well as considerations for tracheostomized or post-extubation patients or those on supplemental oxygen. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also addressed.