Addressing the Burden of Dysphagia

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Dysphagia is a frequently under reported and under-diagnosed condition present in over 15 million American adults. The condition occurs mostly after stroke but other disease states and even normal aging may contribute to its onset. The impact of dysphagia on patients, families and healthcare settings is significant. Treatment options to date are limited but recently a new approach has proven very successful. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) has received significant attention by dysphagia professionals ever since the FDA cleared VitalStim Therapy for the treatment of dysphagia. Thousands of therapists have received training and numerous positive reports are received but lots of misconceptions and questions remain among therapists. How does it work? Is there data to support its use?
This presentation will analyze the financial, emotional and social consequences of dysphagia. It will review current use of NMES by Speech Language Pathologists in the treatment of dysphagia. A background will be presented on the physical properties of electrotherapy and a working model will be presented that explains some of the neurophysiological aspects of electrotherapy used to strengthen the muscles of the swallowing system. Published and emerging research efforts will be reviewed and discussed. Indications, precautions and contraindications will be reviewed and the pros and cons of using this modality in dysphagia management will be discussed.

Disclosure: This course will only discuss information regarding the use of VitalStim Therapy. When this course was created there was no other similar device available.

Course Requirements:

Computer with internet and working speakers/sound are required for this course.
Course must be completed within 30 days of activation (activate course within 6 months of purchase).
An online multiple-choice quiz (80% passing score) and submission of an online evaluation form are required for successful completion.
A certificate of completion will be available to print immediately after course is successfully completed.
ASHA CEUs may be requested by completing the online ASHA form and choosing Yes for "Report to ASHA" question.

AOTA Classification Codes
Domain of OT: Client Factors
Occupational Therapy Process: Intervention

Course Objectives

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

Describe the financial, social and emotional impact of dysphagia
Describe the use of NMES (VitalStim) and the main neurophysiological mechanisms that might explain its benefits
Discuss published and emerging research efforts in this field

Course Instructor(s)

Yorick Wijting

PT, DPT

Yorick received his Physical Therapy degree in the Netherlands and his DPT at the University of St. Augustine, Florida. He has extensive training and practical experience in biophysical agents and teaches nationally and internationally to medical professionals on their therapeutic use. Yorick has been instrumental in developing the use of electrical stimulation by Speech Language Pathologists in the treatment of dysphagia. Yorick currently lives in California and runs his private practice in Gilroy, CA.

Financial Disclosure: Yorick receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of his live course(s) and royalties for the sale of his recorded course(s). Yorick is the author and an instructor for the VitalStim Therapy Specialty Program.
Non-Financial Disclosure: no relevant relationships exist

Course Agenda

33 Minutes

Impact of Dysphagia

23 Minutes

VitalStim Therapy

10 Minutes

NMES in Dysphagia Treatment

1.1 Hours

Total

Contact hours pre-approved for:

1.0 Hour
CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.1 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet required
CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (0.1 AOTA CEUs)
This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (1 PDU)
As an IACET Authorized Provider, CIAO offers CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard
CIAO is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEUs for this program
Approved for:
1.0 Hour OT/COTAs in FL(CE Broker #20-439592)

CIAO is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CIAO complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, CIAO is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area)

CIAO Automatically reports to CE Broker for Florida Occupational and Physical Therapists and Assistants. Florida SLPs can either use the ASHA CE Participant Form (Bubble Sheet) or self-submit through CE Broker.

CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)