Tag: Medical SLP
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Cervical Auscultation
Cervical Auscultation (CA) uses a stethoscope to listen to swallow sounds, aiding in assessing swallowing and airway function. However, a systematic review reveals insufficient reliability and validity for diagnosing dysphagia in adults and children. CA should not be a stand-alone diagnostic tool, as sound patterns do not consistently correlate with physiological events.
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Go With the (Peak) Flow
Insurance companies prioritize objective data, making it vital to incorporate measures like Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in Clinical Swallow Evaluations (CSE) to assess cough strength and airway protection. PEF demonstrates a strong correlation with aspiration risks, thereby enhancing dysphagia management through reliable and quick assessments, allowing for better documentation and therapy tracking.
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The Yale Swallow Protocol
The Yale Swallow Protocol, based on the 3-Ounce Swallow Test, provides a quick screening method for dysphagia, focusing on cognition and oral motor function. Administering involves giving a patient three ounces of water to drink while observing for signs of aspiration. This tool is easy to teach, though not suitable for all patients.
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