By Doreen Rodo, MeD, RDN, LD
Dysphagia: The Team Approach to Best Practice is a 1-hour online continuing education (CE) course that focuses on the interdisciplinary team approach to identifying, treating and managing dysphagia.
CE Credit: 1 Hour
Target Audience: Social Workers | Occupational Therapists (OTs) | Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs)
Learning Level: Introductory
Course Type: Online
Dysphagia is a wide spread problem in the elderly, with many going untreated. Older adults are at an increased risk due to having many factors that lead to swallowing difficulties. Some of these are a diagnosis of stroke, dementia, pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease. Many have generalized weakness and comorbidities that also contribute to a reduced swallowing response. The decreased ability to swallow can lead to other complications, but the largest concerns are with dehydration, weight loss and malnutrition.
This course was developed to assist the interdisciplinary team [Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Occupational Therapist (OT) and Social Worker] in the management of dysphagia. Topics covered include the swallowing process, types of dysphagia, risk factors, signs and symptoms, how dysphagia affects the body, screening and assessment, roles of the interdisciplinary team, nutrition, and treatment options (National Dysphagia Diet, thickened liquids, free water, and rehabilitative strategies). Course #11-01 | 2016 | 23 pages | 10 posttest questions
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Differentiate between the three types of dysphagia
2. List five conditions that may cause dysphagia and five symptoms of dysphagia
3. Identify the roles of the interdisciplinary team members integral to the treatment of dysphagia
4. Describe five interventions used in the treatment of dysphagia
CE INFORMATION
Professional Development Resources is approved by Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB Provider #1046, ACE Program); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA Provider #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Provider #PR001); the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy; the Florida Boards of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Dietetics & Nutrition, Occupational Therapy Practice, and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635); the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board (#RCST100501); the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193); and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678).
COURSE DIRECTIONS
This online course provides instant access to the course materials (PDF download) and CE test. After enrolling, click on My Account and scroll down to My Active Courses. From here you’ll see links to download/print the course materials and take the CE test (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course document). Successful completion of the online CE test (80% required to pass, 3 chances to take) and course evaluation are required to earn a certificate of completion. Click here to learn more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Doreen Rodo, MEd, RDN, LD, obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from the State University of New York, College at Buffalo. She completed her internship at the University of Connecticut in conjunction with Hartford Hospital. Recently, she earned a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education from Framingham State University. She has over twenty-five years of long-term care experience and has worked as a food safety auditor, public health dietitian, and a Servsafe food safety teacher. Doreen is a professional mentor for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and assists students with applying for internships and finding rotations. She currently works as a nutrition consultant for hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and also writes coursework for healthcare professionals.
