Best practices and current trends in dysphagia rehabilitation
Optimal dysphagia management requires input from qualified healthcare professionals. Now you can acquire fundamental knowledge of the tools and strategies used to recognise, assess and develop rehabilitation plans for individuals with dysphagia with this new programme of four courses from Physiopedia Plus (Plus).
Dysphagia refers to swallowing difficulties, which can be caused by functional or structural abnormalities. It is a common medical condition, but only around half of all people with dysphagia seek medical attention. Many try to manage their symptoms by altering their eating patterns. However, optimal dysphagia management requires input from qualified healthcare professionals.
Bedside and instrumental tools are available for the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Rehabilitation exercises, including swallowing and non-swallowing exercises, are an essential part of dysphagia management.
In this new Plus Dysphagia Programme, instructor Srishti Banerjee discusses the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, reviews the differences between oropharyngeal and oesophageal dysphagia, talks about the assessment tools available to diagnose them and explores a range of management strategies used by different rehabilitation professionals.
Did you know?
Eating and swallowing are complex voluntary and reflex activities involving more than 30 muscles and nerves.
The epiglottis, arytenoids and vocal folds are the three gatekeepers for aspiration prevention.
The absence of consensus on the best screening instrument does not mean no screening should be performed.
Clean water that can enter the respiratory tract while drinking is not a threat!
The threat comes from food remains and bacteria that are left in the mouth due to poor or lack of oral hygiene.
Dietary modification—altering the consistency of foods and liquids—is fundamental to dysphagia management.
Posture can affect swallowing and, in turn, can be affected by swallowing.
This programme fills the gap in dysphagia training! It offers clear, well-structured information that all healthcare professionals will appreciate. Clinics and hospitals can use this programme to develop staff competency training in dysphagia management as it covers all essential topics:
Anatomy and Physiology Significant to Dysphagia
Overview of Dysphagia
Assessment of Dysphagia
Dysphagia Rehabilitation Management
Together, we can increase awareness of dysphagia and reduce the negative consequences of unrecognised and untreated dysphagia.
Physiopedia Plus is a subscription site that offers internationally accredited continuing education and professional development opportunities for the global rehabilitation community in 6 languages.
Your subscription fees fund the Physiopedia charity website to keep it updated and openly accessible to all.
Your subscription also provides FREE access to Plus for rehabilitation professionals in low income countries.
There are also discounts available depending on where you live and for students.
This work is part of the ReLAB-HS activity and is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).