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Course Description

Tracheostomy and Ventilator Management for the SLP

This intermediate-level course is designed for Speech-Language Pathologists looking to expand or deepen their expertise in tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patient care. Whether you're already working with this population or looking to enter this subspecialty, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of assessment and treatment approaches.

You’ll explore key topics including:

  • Types of tracheostomies
  • Speaking valves and voicing techniques
  • Physiological and structural changes of the trachea post-tracheostomy
  • Guidelines for initiating PO intake
  • Strategies for ventilator weaning and successful decannulation

Throughout the course, you’ll gain tools to better communicate your role on the multidisciplinary team, advocate for instrumental assessments, and select appropriate treatment plans. Special attention will be given to the challenges SLPs face in this setting and evidence-based approaches for navigating them.

This is an essential course for SLPs seeking to build confidence and competence in caring for ventilator-dependent and tracheostomized patients. Basic knowledge of dysphagia and voice therapy is required.

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:

  • 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

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
Basic anatomy and physiology review before and after a tracheotomy procedure
60 Minutes
All about tracheostomy tubes, trach set up, and ventilators
60 Minutes
Speaking valves and cuff deflation/inflation
60 Minutes
Suctioning
60 Minutes
Assessment of voice. Cognition, and swallowing
90 Minutes
Laryngectomies and TEPs
15 Minutes
Questions and Answers
60 Minutes
Utilizing FEES and laryngoscopy to determine airway patency prior to valving
60 Minutes
Case study examples of FEES instrumentation to assess airway patency with trach and vent patients
60 Minutes
Treatment strategies and outcomes
60 Minutes
Troubleshooting to achieve best outcomes and results, beyond treatment options
60 Minutes
Permissive diets, palliative care, trauma informed, bias free care and approaches
45 Minutes
Case studies, Questions and Answers
12.5 Hours
Total

Delivery VIA:

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

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 12.5 Hours
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (1.25 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.

Intermediate Level
1.25 ASHA CEUs


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