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    Dysphagia A to Z Ecourse

    What is new in evidence based assessments and treatments of Dysphagia

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    Appropriate Disciplines

    • Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • Speech Language Pathology Asst
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Course Description

This engaging course is designed for both new and experienced Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists seeking to enhance their expertise in dysphagia management.

The course provides a comprehensive refresher on neurological and iatrogenic dysphagia, covering the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, risk factors, and evidence-based tools for conducting clinical bedside swallowing evaluations (CBSE).

Participants will explore a wide range of key diagnostic techniques, including:

  • Mann Assessment of Swallow Ability (MASA)
  • GUSS
  • Yale Swallow Protocol
  • FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
  • MBSS (Modified Barium Swallow Study)
  • GI/ENT evaluations

You'll learn how to:

  • Stage impairments using standardized measures like the MBSImP
  • Apply FEES findings to diagnostic decision-making

Treatment strategies will emphasize:

  • Balancing compensatory techniques with rehabilitative exercises
  • Restoring swallowing function
  • Protecting the airway

The course will also address:

  • Palliative care considerations
  • Permissive dysphagia diets
  • Ethical issues including informed consent and patient compliance

In addition, the course highlights emerging and cutting-edge dysphagia treatment methods.

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with advanced skills to assess, diagnose, and manage dysphagia—ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

This is an essential course for SLPs and OTs looking to stay at the forefront of dysphagia care.

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.
  • SLPs - ASHA CEUs may be obtained by completing the online ASHA form and checking the "Report to ASHA" box.

Course Objectives

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

  • Explain the neurometabolic mechanisms of swallow function. What risk factors can lead to dysphagia
  • Demonstrate evidence-based practice tools in clinical bedside swallowing evaluation (CBSE)
  • Describe diagnostic imaging and labs in identifying dysphagia risk factors
  • Identify which is the most effective assessment tools and procedures given clinical diagnosis e.g. Mann Assessment of Swallow Ability (MASA), cough reflex testing, Gus, Yale Swallow Protocol, FEES, MBSS, and GI/ENT testing
  • Demonstrate knowledge of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal stage impairments and associated standardized scoring using the MBSImp and other measures
  • List and explain iatrogenic causes of dysphagia
  • Identify treatment strategies based on diagnostic results.
  • Describe and demonstrate compensatory strategies vs rehabilitative exercises to improve and restore swallowing function and airway protection
  • Summarize the role of the SLP in palliative care and permissive dysphagia diets
  • Describe ethical considerations regarding dysphagia recommendations, informed consent, and refusal vs. noncompliance.

Lubna Nabulsi

CCC-SLP

Lubna Nabulsi is a Speech-Language Pathologist that has been practicing in Skilled nursing rehabilitation for 20 years. She graduated with her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in Baltimore Maryland. Prior to becoming and SLP, Lubna was a Medical and Research Technologist working at University of Maryland Hospital Immunology Department. This created a unique knowledge of overall medical pathology and how it related to disease and disorders that affect swallowing. Lubna is currently the Senior SLP at Futurecare Health and Management. Lubna developed a successful inhouse FEES program at all Futurecare skilled nursing facilities., and in the past 10 years has trained over 20 SLP in FEES instrumentation and competency.

Financial Disclosure: Lubna is compensated as a speaker for CIAO for the presentation of her live courses and royalties for the sale of her online courses. Lubna receives a salary from Towson University as an adjunct professor. Receives an honorarium from MASHA and is the owner and operator of The Beacon Clinic SLP, a private practice in Baltimore, MD.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Lubna is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is affiliated with Apraxia Kids.

60 Minutes
Causes of Dysphagia
60 Minutes
Anatomy Physiology
45 Minutes
Neurology of the swallow
120 Minutes
Diagnostic Procedures
60 Minutes
Evidenced Based treatment (compensatory, rehabilitative)
60 Minutes
Evidenced Based treatment (permissive, and preventative)
30 Minutes
Ethics, trauma informed care, and Cultural Bias
7.3 Hours
Total

Delivery VIA:

  • Online - This course is offered in an online, on demand format.

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 7 Hours
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.7 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet submission required
  • ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
  • This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (7 PDUs)
  • CIAO is an Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
  • Approved for:
  • 8 Hrs. OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker #20-1327800)
  • 7 Hrs. Registered with CEBroker for OT/COTAs in AL, AZ, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN

Course meets requirements for:

  • OT/COTAs in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,
  • OT/COTAs in NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

    • Introductory Level
    0.7 ASHA CEUs


    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)


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