Dysphagia (Adult) CEU Courses for SLPs

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.

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.

Aspects of head and neck cancer (HNC) management relevant to the speech-language pathologist considering working with this population are described in this course. Specifically, HNC diagnosis and treatment, surgical and reconstructive options, communication and swallowing issues, treatment-related toxicities, and the impact on quality of life are addressed.

Aging in place is the goal of most elders, but it may require a great deal of support. The impact of normal aging on various systems and the differences between frail and well elders are described in this course. Information and interventions are discussed that allow interprofessional team members to support functional mobility, nutrition and hydration, and health management in their geriatric clients, in order to promote successful aging.

Determining when to discharge a patient from dysphagia therapy is challenging. Clinician-driven and patient-driven factors to consider when determining if it is time to discontinue therapy are discussed in this course, and evidence related to timelines for swallowing improvement is presented.

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

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.

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.