Dysphagia and Disorders of Eating and Drinking

Program Overview

This program enhances Speech and Language Therapists' skills in assessing and managing eating and drinking disorders. Participants develop critical thinking abilities to evaluate dysphagia research and learn about current findings in swallowing neurophysiology and therapy. The program also explores various models for delivering services to individuals with dysphagia.

Program Outline

Dysphagia and Disorders of Eating and Drinking

Program Overview:

This course provides Speech and Language Therapists and other health professionals with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and practice in the assessment and management of swallowing disorders. Participants will also develop critical thinking skills for evaluating dysphagia research across their specialized field.

Objectives:

• Enhance your skills in the assessment and management of eating and drinking disorders.
• Develop critical thinking and analysis skills to effectively assess the evidence supporting good practices in your clinical field.

Program Description:

• Explores current research findings relating to the neurophysiology of swallowing and their impact on therapy.
• Equips participants to differentiate the presentation and management of swallowing impairments across various conditions and through the lifespan.
• Provides frameworks for integrating diverse perspectives in the management of feeding and swallowing difficulties, including those between medical and social models of disability.
• Guides the evaluation of novel approaches for managing dysphagia in neurological conditions.
• Nurtures the critical appraisal skills of participants through comprehensive research evaluation from a range of sources.
• Fosters confident academic and professional communication skills, including online interaction.
• Analyzes various models for the delivery of services to individuals with dysphagia.

Program Outline:

Content:

• Principles of assessment
• Instrumental assessment
• Neuroplasticity and ethics

Structure:

• Weekly face-to-face sessions delivered by expert dysphagia lecturers covering a wide range of ages and situations.

Module descriptions:

Neuroplasticity and ethics

This section focuses on the latest insights from neuroscience to inform best practices in therapy and understand the ethical aspects of care in this field.

Instrumental Assessment:

This module explores advanced technologies such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and its implementation for dysphagia management.

Principles of Assessment:

This section covers fundamental assessments like videofluoroscopy and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing to aid diagnosis and determine suitable management plans.

Teaching:

Methods:

• Interactive face-to-face discussions and workshops facilitate peer learning and critical analysis.
• Guest lectures by leading researchers in dysphagia offer insights into contemporary trends.
• Online forum for discussions encourages collaborative engagement with fellow participants and instructors.

Faculty:

The course features expert dysphagia lecturers specializing in adult and pediatric populations, ensuring you learn from diverse perspectives and gain practical insights across your field.

Other:

• This course carries 15 credits at the postgraduate level.
• Participants can opt to integrate this course into their PGCert, PGDip, or MSc course, including the MSc Speech, Language, and Communications program.

Careers:

The skills developed through this program equip you for various professional opportunities, including:

• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Assistant Professor in Speech and Language
• Clinical Assistant

Other:

This program emphasizes ongoing professional development, allowing participants to remain relevant and current in their practice while fostering their ability to manage complex swallowing disorders effectively. This course helps participants gain a deeper understanding of current evidence and advances in dysphagia management, empowering them to deliver the best possible care for patients with complex swallowing needs.

Important Note:

This course information may have limited information and may be updated with more content in the future. Future courses may differ slightly from this outline. If interested in attending, we encourage you to visit the official course website for current details on content, fees, registration, and course schedules.