Introduction

Many individuals experience dysphagia or difficulty swallowing, but only half seek medical attention. Often, people with dysphagia attempt to manage their symptoms by altering their eating patterns. However, optimal dysphagia management requires input from qualified healthcare professionals. Rehabilitation strategies include swallowing rehabilitation and reeducation, nutrition and dietary modifications, and alternative nutritional support. This course explores a range of rehabilitation techniques for dysphagia used by different healthcare professionals.

Learning outcomes

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

• differentiate between at least three positioning techniques for individuals with dysphagia that may help to facilitate safe swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration, depending on the individual's presentation
• discuss at least four exercises used in the treatment of dysphagia, including mandible exercises, lip muscle training, tongue exercises, and specialised swallowing manoeuvres
• describe the importance of oral hygiene in dysphagia management and three key steps of oral care

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 1.3 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Srishti Banerjee: 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.