Course Description: This course is designed for occupational therapy practitioners who have an interest in learning dysphagia across the lifespan: pediatrics through geriatrics. It is intended for therapists who wish to gain a better understanding of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal structures and function as they relate to normal and abnormal swallowing. This course will address various screens and assessment strategies for patients and caregivers. The course will utilize a combination of didactic, case studies, and hands on experiences.
Learning Objectives: At the completion of the course, participants will:
- Explain core knowledge related to the occupational therapy practitioner’s unique role with people who have a swallowing problem that interferes with their daily occupations
- Use this knowledge to clinically problem solve how occupational therapy's unique perspective fits overall dysphagia management for pediatrics through geriatrics
- Identify the difference between dysphagia and feeding/eating and the value of participation in mealtime activities
- Identify anatomy and physiology of swallowing to describe the phases of swallowing, role of the postural and respiratory systems in the integrity of dysphagia skills, the indications for referral for a swallowing assessment and role within dysphagia management
- Identify structures, anatomy and physiology of a normal swallow for pediatrics through geriatrics using clinical and instrumental assessments
-Identify populations where dysphagia may occur
- Assess the oral preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallow through practical application for pediatrics through
geriatrics
- Identify what type of assessment (clinical versus instrumental) based on the type of study and level of evidence for selected populations
- Discuss considerations for oral versus non-oral feeders
CBOT Approved
Presenters: Pamela Roberts, PhD, OTR/L, SCFES, FAOTA, CPHQ, FNAP, FACRM and Joan Surfus, OTD, OTR/L, SWC
Audience: This course is appropriate for both new graduate clinicians interested in feeding and swallowing as well as seasoned dysphagia clinicians who are looking for a deeper understanding of swallow physiology. This course is appropriate for submission for 7 hours of continuing education coursework for California advanced practice in feeding, eating, and swallowing.
To obtain CEUs participants must sign in and out and complete a post test (learning outcomes) and course evaluation in order to receive a certificate of completion. Certificates will be available at the end of the course. Participants not fulfilling these requirements will not receive a certificate.
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
AOTA Classification Codes: Dysphagia, Evaluation, Scope of Practice
Cancellation Policy: A refund, less a $50 administrative fee, will be made if a cancellation notice is received 10 business days prior to the workshop date. Cancellation by instructors will result in full refund.
Special Needs Requests: If you require ADA accommodations, call 323-442-2811 at least two weeks before the course date for arrangements.