Introduction

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a significant issue globally, affecting millions of patients across healthcare settings. Dysphagia impacts physical health, quality of life, and social well-being. Healthcare professionals must be familiar with signs of swallowing disorders to ensure prompt and appropriate referral. Early recognition and intervention results in improved outcomes and quality of life for people with dysphagia. This course focuses on oropharyngeal dysphagia, overviewing its key features, assessment and management. It describes the role of different members of the healthcare team, highlighting the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in supporting patients with swallowing difficulties.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• identify the three physiological phases of swallowing, signs and symptoms of dysphagia, and their impact on a person's nutritional status and quality of life
• discuss the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals in managing oropharyngeal dysphagia
• describe at least three evidence-based management strategies for oropharyngeal dysphagia

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.1 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.