Nutrition and Dysphagia: Modifications, Enhancements and Strategies, 2nd edition
Course Overview
We work with individuals living in our communities or in facilities who have been diagnosed with dysphagia. Our task is to determine the most appropriate diet and liquid consistencies to maintain hydration and nutrition, strategies and compensatory maneuvers to minimize risk of aspiration, and recommend adaptive equipment to improve self-feeding and mealtime independence. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) identified characteristics of each diet, with easy testing methods to eliminate diet errors. IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet will be compared to identify similarities and differences. Patient-specific strategies can potentially improve diet, nutrition, and hydration. Care plans should be updated with these strategies as well as provision of staff, patient, and family education to aid in an understanding of rational and to improve implementation. Adaptive equipment may maximize safe oral intake and independence at mealtimes, reducing the need for staff assistance. The equipment will be presented with comparisons, pros, and cons to assist in determining the best fit for your patients.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Recognize the impact of aging, dentition, and diagnoses on the swallow
- Recall similarities and differences between the IDDSI diet levels and the National Dysphagia Diet
- Identify appropriate strategies for implementation at mealtime for safe swallow
- Compare adaptive equipment for patient use to increase safe oral intake and independence at mealtime
About the Author/Presenter
Denise Doughtery has a wealth of experience in speech pathology, having taught at Wesley College and York College of Pennsylvania and worked in various healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, clinics, hospitals, and home health. In addition to her private practice, she also specializes in forensic speech pathology. Denise has contributed articles to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and presented on topics such as private practice, end-of-life care, and dysphagia across the U.S. She has also coauthored a book titled Private Practice Essentials for Speech Pathologists. Denise has served on several committees and councils, including ASHA’s Health Care Economics Committee and Speech-Language Pathology Council and held leadership positions such as president and continuing education administrator for the American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology (AAPPSPA).
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Certified Nursing Assistant, Occupational Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
