Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Dysphagia Management: Utilizing Electrical Stimulation
Course Overview
The purpose of this intermediate-level course is to inform speech-language pathologists about how to use electrical stimulation to manage dysphagia in patients who would benefit from the use of this modality in various settings. However, since dysphagia is such a complex disorder, collaboration with other disciplines is necessary. Most importantly, since the speech-language pathologist is the primary provider, it is crucial for them to coordinate and manage the team, directing their interdisciplinary roles in the rehabilitation and management of dysphagia in clinical settings. This approach is necessary to ensure optimal patient safety and carryover of therapy goals (Rivelsrud et al., 2023). In this course, we will discuss how to collaborate with multiple disciplines while treating the patient who has dysphagia using electrical stimulation as a treatment modality.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Relate electrical stimulation (e-stim) and how to determine if it is safe to use with swallowing patients.
- Analyze how e-stim can impact swallowing patients.
- Differentiate the precautions and contraindications of e-stim use with swallowing patients.
- Analyze the roles of other professionals in managing and assisting these patients in achieving functional and occupational goals.
About the Author/Presenter
Verlyn Evans, Ed.D, CCC/SLP, has been a clinical speech-language pathologist for 29 years. She has provided therapy for both the geriatric and pediatric populations. Dr. Evans has experience providing services for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students. Her adult experience includes acute, subacute, skilled nursing, home health, group homes, and assisted living settings. She has extensive experience providing dysphagia therapy for medically fragile patients. Dr. Evans received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of South Florida in Tampa; her master’s degree in speech-language pathology and communication disorders; and her doctorate degree in child, youth, and family studies with a concentration in special education from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. Dr. Evans was a full-time assistant professor and instructional mentor in the School of Education at Liberty University for 16 years, supervising faculty and serving as chair of dissertation committees. Currently, she teaches at Liberty University on an adjunct basis. Dr. Evans is an experienced presenter and subject matter expert formerly with HomeCEU.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Occupational Therapy
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