COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Provide Support in Dysphagia Management course, designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to effectively assist individuals with dysphagia. Dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, can have profound impacts on an individual's health and quality of life if not properly managed. Throughout this course, we will explore various aspects of dysphagia management to ensure safe and supportive care for those affected by this condition.

Understanding Dysphagia is crucial for identifying its causes, which can range from neurological issues to structural abnormalities or functional impairments. We will delve into the different types of dysphagia, such as oropharyngeal and oesophageal, and the serious implications of untreated dysphagia, including aspiration, malnutrition, and dehydration.

Anatomy and Physiology of Swallowing will be discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the swallowing process, including the oral, pharyngeal, and oesophageal phases. We'll explore the roles of muscles and nerves in swallowing, as well as reflexes and coordination involved in this complex physiological function.

Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia in Adults and Children is essential for early intervention and treatment. We'll cover common signs such as difficulty swallowing, choking, and coughing during meals, along with behavioural changes and nutritional consequences like weight loss and deficiencies.

The Impact of Dysphagia on Health and Wellbeing extends beyond physical challenges to include nutritional, respiratory, psychological, and social impacts. We'll address the holistic aspects of dysphagia management to enhance overall quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

Assessment and Screening for Dysphagia are crucial steps in developing effective care plans. We'll explore clinical assessment tools, SLP evaluations, and the importance of collaborating with healthcare teams for comprehensive assessments and interventions.

A Collaborative Approach to Dysphagia Management emphasises teamwork among multidisciplinary professionals, including SLPs, dietitians, physicians, nurses, and caregivers. Individualised care plans tailored to client needs, regular monitoring, and evaluation of progress will be key focal points.

Throughout the course, we'll delve into practical strategies such as dietary modifications, swallowing techniques and exercises, safe feeding practices, medication administration considerations, communication strategies, safety protocols, assistive devices and technologies, support in daily activities, and cultural and ethical considerations in dysphagia management. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive support to individuals with dysphagia, ensuring their safety, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

·       Causes of Dysphagia: Neurological, Structural, and Functional

·       Types of Dysphagia: Oropharyngeal and Oesophageal

·       Implications of Untreated Dysphagia: Aspiration, Malnutrition, and Dehydration

·       Overview of the Swallowing Process: Oral, Pharyngeal, and Oesophageal Phases

·       Role of Muscles and Nerves in Swallowing

·       Swallowing Reflexes and Coordination

·       Common Signs of Dysphagia: Difficulty Swallowing, Choking, Coughing during Meals

·       Behavioural Changes: Refusal to Eat, Mealtime Distress

·       Weight Loss and Nutritional Deficiencies

·       Nutritional Consequences of Dysphagia: Malnutrition and Dehydration

·       Respiratory Complications: Aspiration Pneumonia, Respiratory Infections

·       Psychological and Social Impact: Quality of Life, Emotional Wellbeing

·       Assessment and Screening for Dysphagia

·       Collaboration with Healthcare Team for Comprehensive Assessment

·       Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration: SLPs, Dietitians, Physicians, Nurses, Caregivers

·       Individualised Care Plans: Tailoring Interventions to Client Needs

·       Regular Monitoring and Evaluation of Progress

·       Dietary Modifications for Dysphagia

·       Swallowing Techniques and Exercises

·       Safe Feeding and Drinking Practices

·       Monitoring for Signs of Distress during Meals

·       Assisting with Medication Administration for Individuals with Dysphagia

·       Communication Strategies for Individuals with Dysphagia

·       Educating Carers and Family Members on Communication Techniques

·       Safety and Risk Management in Dysphagia Management

·       Assistive Devices and Technologies for Dysphagia

·       Supporting Clients with Dysphagia in Daily Activities

·       Cultural and Ethical Considerations in Dysphagia Management

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.