Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Summarize the guidelines related to trach and vents
• Assess anatomical structures and physiological changes after a tracheostomy procedure
• Summarize how ventilators work, their settings, and alarms
• Assess patient candidacy for cuff deflation and speaking valve trials
• Describe the guidelines for high flow oxygen
• Expand knowledge of treatment protocols to include humidification, pharmacology, modalities, exercises, and diet modifications, and Evans Blue Dye Tests
• Develop and implement treatment strategies for successful outcomes for your patients
• Acquire basic skills in working with laryngectomy patients
• Distinguish which diagnostic approached will help in establishing airway patency and readiness for valve trials
• Name troubleshooting techniques to help problem solve patients that cannot tolerate cuff deflation or valve placement
• Explain holistic and interdisciplinary approach to treatment methods to achieve best outcomes
• Recognize how trauma can interfere with treatment progression and determine best trauma informed care and bias free practices
• Develop skills in differential diagnosis to determine best practice and realistic treatment plans achieving highest level of communication and swallowing skills
• Use free water protocols and permissive dysphagia diets when appropriate to maximize quality of life goals in chronic vent dependent patients