Assessing and Treating Dysphagia in Medically Complex Patients
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, requires skilled assessment and management. This is particularly true with our patients who are medically complex. A host of dysfunctions can complicate both the swallowing problem and the management of it: respiratory issues, infections, dementia and other cognitive disorders, digestive issues and concerns, etc. These patients require a multi-faceted approach that allows us to assess and manage the dysphagia in the context of their medical comorbidities and complexities.
This indispensable course discusses many of the medical issues we face as we assess and manage these complex patients. In addition, participants gain the proper tools to assess swallow variability. Using her years of experience as a specialist in swallowing disorders, Angela Mansolillo evaluates several evidenced-based management strategies, such as diet modification, tube feeding, medication administration exercises, and respiratory coordination. She explores the risks and benefits of potential interventions so that dysphagia clinicians and their clients can make informed and effective management decisions.
Course Content
THE MEDICALLY COMPLEX PATIENT
•Respiratory issues and swallowing
•Cognitive deficits including dementia and mental illness
•Esophageal issues
•Infections
•Cancers
•Medication effects
DIAGNOSIS
•Assessing respiration and airway
○respiratory rate
○dyspnea and shortness of breath
○coordination of breathing and swallowing
○respiratory muscle strength
○oxygen saturation
○homeostasis
○cough
•Clinical assessment
•Instrumental assessment
•Assessing aspiration tolerance/pulmonary clearance
○respiratory status
○nutritional status
○oral hygiene
○medical issues
○dependency issues
○cognition
○mobility
○endurance
•Esophageal issues
○GERD
○constipation
○esophageal dysphagia
•Understanding swallow variability
○laryngeal penetration (and aspiration)
○dwell times
○normal aging
○residue
MANAGEMENT ISSUES
•Diet management: texture, thick liquids, water
•Tube feeding: When? Who?
•Improving breathing/swallow coordination
•Exercise: When does it work?
•Oral hygiene strategies
•Cognition
•Managing endurance issues
•Medication administration
END OF LIFE ISSUES
Case discussion
is an approved provider #50-466 with the Florida Department of Health Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. This course is approved for 6 contact hour(s) for Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants.
This educational offering qualifies for 6 continuing education hour(s) as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your course outline and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific filing requirements.
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handouts (11.1 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
| Presentation (3.4 MB) | Available after Purchase |
ANGELA MANSOLILLO, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing Disorders with more than 20 years of experience. She is currently a senior Speech-Language Pathologist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she provides evaluation and treatment servicesfor adults and children with dysphagia and is involved in program planning and development for inpatient and outpatient programming including quality improvement initiatives, patient education, and clinical policies and protocols. In addition, she is an adjunct faculty member at Elms College Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Over the course of her career, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings, provided numerous regional and national presentations, and lectured at several colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
Ms. Mansolillo received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Rhode Island College in 1983 and earned her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology in 1985 from the University of Connecticut. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a member of Special Interest Division 13, which focuses on swallowing and swallowing disorders.
Disclosure:
Finacial- Receives a speaking honorarium from Vyne, LLC.
Nonfinancial-No relevant nonfinacial relationship exists.
Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, Rehab Managers, Directors of Nursing, Registered Nurses, Nursing Home Administrators, Dietitians, Respiratory Therapists
| 5 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 1 |
|
Satisfaction Guarantee
Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to: PO Box 1000, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1000 or call 1-800-844-8260.
ADA Needs
We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.
Please wait ...