Course Description:

The IDDSI or International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative final framework was completed in November 2015 by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Committee.  This initiative is "culturally sensitive, measurable and applicable to individuals of all age groups in all care settings."  This framework is being implemented on a global scale and provides clear guidelines for each diet and liquid consistency.  

This seminar will discuss the IDDSI framework including the 8 levels identified...

Course Description:

ALS is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that impacts cognition and swallowing.  This seminar builds on the basic knowledge of ALS with more in depth discussion of types and subtypes and predisposing factors.  Diagnostic procedures and symptoms will be reviewed.  Diagnostic procedures and symptoms of early and later stages of ALS will be presented.  Medications and complementary alternative medications including nutraceuticals will be discussed as well as possible interactions.  Although...

Course Description:

The prevalence of reflux is rising and may be part of our patients' medical history.  So what is an SLPs role?  This seminar will build on our basic knowledge of reflux and anatomy and physiology.  We must be able to correlate our patients complaints, medical history and radiographic findings in order to make appropriate referrals.  Diagnostic testing will be discussed as well treatments such as medications, diet modifications, surgical...

Course Description:

Dysphagia therapy is a big part of our practice. We often have a tight budget to work with and our purchases have an impact on the therapies and techniques we can offer our patients. The equipment needs to be sturdy and allow us to challenge our patients. Our decisions are often made based on our experience with what has worked for us in...

Course Description:

Patients we see for dysphagia evaluations and therapy often have numerous comorbidities that impact their swallow. As the number of diagnoses increase, so do the medications. It is our job to understand how these disorders, diseases and medications change the swallow. The COVID-19 pandemic creates problems with swallowing, specifically post-extubation. We need to recognize the red flags with COVID-19...

Course Description:

Esophageal Function, Dysfunction and Therapeutic Options course builds on your basic knowledge of the esophagus. The esophagus has an important role in swallowing, and it is important to understand the impact diseases/disorders have on its function. Evaluation tools such as the bedside swallow, MBS/FEES and BS give us a picture of what is or may be impacting the swallow. Esophageal scans done during the MBS and BS studies can...

Course Description:

When performing an assessment of the patient with dysphagia, a chart review is critical to collect relevant information and identify red flags. By knowing how disorders progress and impact each phase of swallow, patient deficits can be better understood. Also, there are certain evaluation tools which provide clinicians the details needed to document a deficit. Furthermore, COVID-19 has changed the process...

Course Description:

Many clients have a diagnosis of dementia, but numerous medical conditions fall under this category. Not all dementias present with the same type of dysphagia. This course provides an overview of dysphagia and dementia including the similarities and differences of dementia types, evaluation, and treatment recommendations. Furthermore, COVID-19 protocols are discussed to minimize risks to therapists and patients. When implemented, evaluations...

Course Description:

When making recommendations for patients, we may have to consider alternate forms of nutrition and hydration based on their unique set of circumstances. One consideration is how long ANH may be necessary – short term vs. long term. Research has looked at benefits and burdens and trajectory of diseases – COVID-19, CVA, cancer, dementia, EOL to name a few. COVID-19 patients...

Course Description:

Branching out into your own business can be a daunting task.  How do you even begin?  You have ideas and plans, but when it's time to put them on paper, you draw a blank!  It's important to have a blueprint for your practice but if you can’t write about it, how can you build it?  Your business plan helps build a solid foundation and provides you with a roadmap...

Course Overview

For clinicians involved with patients diagnosed with dysphagia utilize information revealed from the bedside evaluation and instrumental assessments to develop a therapy plan, determine the highest appropriate diet and mealtime strategies/precautions to be implemented to keep the individual safe.  In making these determinations, the role of dentition and oral care is critical.  This seminar builds on our basis knowledge providing a more detailed understanding of the role of specific...