Course Code: REL-RTS-0-AODOT
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate normal and disordered swallowing across the swallow phases using relevant anatomy and physiology.
Determine screening and bedside evaluation findings that indicate the need for instrumental assessment (MBSS versus FEES) and referral.
Select evidence-based intervention strategies to mitigate aspiration risk and support safe, efficient PO intake and mealtime participation.
Outline:
Section 1: Foundations of Swallowing and Dysphagia Management
Occupational Therapy Role in Dysphagia Care
Why This Matters
Anatomy and Physiology of Normal Swallowing
Anatomic Structures
Phases of the Normal Swallow
Quick Check
Abnormal Swallow and Its Early Indicators
Dysphagia Screening
Case Example: Marie
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Assessment
Bedside Clinical Swallowing Evaluation (CSE)
Medical History
Oral Peripheral Examination
PO Trials
Abnormal Findings
Quick Check
Marie’s CSE
Medical History
Oral Peripheral Examination
PO Trials
Quick Check
Instrumental Swallowing Assessments
Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
Marie’s MBSS
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Treatment Planning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Overview of Dysphagia Treatment Planning
Positioning and Environment
Restorative Interventions
Swallowing Maneuvers
Exercises to Improve Swallowing
Oral and Neuromuscular Strengthening Techniques
Compensatory Swallowing Strategies
Postural Strategies
Swallowing Maneuvers
Bolus Control and Pacing Strategies
Quick Check
Diet Consistency Management
IDDSI Diet Levels
Free Water Protocol
Recommendations and Interprofessional Collaboration
Treatment Plans and Education
Treatment Plan for Marie
Pre-Oral Preparatory Phase
Oral Preparatory Phase
Oral Transit Phase
Pharyngeal Phase
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP
Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Reviewer: Lisa M. Foundas MS, OTR/L, CBIS
Lisa graduated with a Master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2009 and has been working with neurological injuries for 16 years in the acute, subacute, and home care environments. Lisa worked ten years at an acute hospital brain injury unit, becoming a senior therapist after four years, and then becoming a supervisor overseeing PT, OT, SLP, and nursing staff. Lisa ran the brain injury support group at Southside Hospital for four years. She became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) in 2017 and continues to help run CBIS journal clubs and trains others for CBIS. Lisa is an adjunct at Stony Brook University for their physical dysfunction course in the occupational therapy program. In June 2019, she became the Clinical Manager for Neurological Rehabilitation services for three Paragon Management skilled nursing facilities: Emerge (Glen Cove, NY), CARF-accredited; Quantum (Middle Island, NY); and North Westchester Restorative Rehab and Nursing (Westchester, NY). She is a specialist working with the brain injury population in the SNF setting. Lisa assists rehabilitation centers and their staff in becoming state-of-the-art subacute neurological rehabilitation programs, and she assists rehab centers in becoming CARF-certified.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Introductory level Occupational Therapist; Introductory level Occupational Therapy Assistant; in the following settings: Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs).
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.