An Understanding of Dysphagia and Safe Swallowing

Description

Course Overview:

The "An Understanding of Dysphagia and Safe Swallowing" course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, manage, and support individuals with dysphagia - a condition characterised by difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia poses challenges that can lead to aspiration, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of dysphagia, its underlying causes, assessment methods, and strategies for safe swallowing.

Course Duration: 

1/2 day (3 hours)

Course Content:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. List the causes of dysphagia

2. Describe the signs and symptoms of dysphagia

3. Outline the professionals involved in the management of dysphagia 

4. Describe the interventions and management strategies for dysphagia including IDDSI

5. Explain how to promote safe swallowing

6. Summarise the management of a casualty choking

Course Objectives:

1. Recognise the importance of dysphagia management: Understand the significance of identifying and managing dysphagia to prevent complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, and pneumonia.

2. Learn about dysphagia causes and types: Familiarise yourself with the different causes and types of dysphagia, including neurological, structural, and functional factors.

3. Acquire skills in dysphagia assessment: Develop hands-on skills in assessing swallowing difficulties, including observation, patient history, and using tools like modified barium swallow studies.

4. Understand safe swallowing practices: Learn evidence-based techniques and strategies to promote safe swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration during oral intake.

5. Address diet modifications and feeding techniques: Gain knowledge about modifying food consistencies and textures, as well as using adaptive feeding techniques to meet patients' nutritional needs.

6. Develop communication skills: Learn effective communication techniques to educate patients, caregivers, and family members about dysphagia management, safe swallowing practices, and the importance of compliance.

7. Address ethical considerations: Explore ethical issues related to patient autonomy, informed consent, and providing care with sensitivity, respect, and empathy.

8. Collaborative care: Understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in dysphagia management, including working with speech therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.

Assessment and Certification:

Participants will undergo both a written assessment and a practical evaluation of their skills. Successful completion will result in a certification of achievement in "An Understanding of Dysphagia and Safe Swallowing."

Note: This course overview is a general guideline and can be customised to suit specific local requirements and preferences, therefore, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your requirements prior to making a booking.