Tag: Swallowing Disorders
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Understanding the IDDSI™ Framework
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI™) provides a unified system for food and drink consistencies, enhancing patient safety. It replaces the National Dysphagia Diet, offering clear levels for drinks and foods, minimizing risks. Resources such as testing cards and guides support implementation and training in diverse healthcare settings.
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Measuring Outcomes for Success…..What are You Using?
The Dysphagia Toolbox offers valuable tools for dysphagia assessment and treatment. Various free outcome measures like questionnaires and screening tools support clinicians in evaluating patients effectively. These assessments track progress and ensure reliable evaluations, which are essential for optimal dysphagia management and documentation in compliance with healthcare standards.
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Oral Care
Oral care is crucial in managing dysphagia and preventing aspiration pneumonia. It involves maintaining oral hygiene to reduce harmful bacteria. Various factors contribute to aspiration pneumonia, including health status and oral care quality. Tools like the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) help evaluate oral health and promote effective care practices.
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Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST) and Dysphagia
RMST has strong implications for dysphagia treatment, is surprisingly easy to implement, and (bonus!) is pretty affordable. Whether you’re working in acute care, SNFs, or home health, this is something you’ll want to have in your clinical back pocket. What is RMST? RMST involves strengthening the muscles responsible for inspiration and expiration. There are two…
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What the Heck is the MBSImP?
The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™) standardizes the interpretation of Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) through a clear, evidence-based protocol. Developed by Dr. Bonnie Martin-Harris, it focuses on assessing and treating dysphagia by quantifying impairments, guiding rehabilitation, and enhancing clinical understanding of swallowing dysfunction.
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Laryngeal Palpation in Swallowing Evaluations: Feel It to Believe It?
As the patient swallows, the SLP feels for hyolaryngeal movement to judge the speed and completeness of elevation. It’s a technique that’s been around for a while—but how reliable is it?
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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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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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Swallowing Without a Tongue: Let’s Talk Glossectomy
I’ve worked with a number of patients over the years who’ve had partial glossectomies—but recently, I’ve had two patients with total glossectomies. Let that sink in for a second. Total glossectomy. As in, no tongue. It sounds like a nearly impossible task: getting someone to eat or drink again when one of the primary driving…
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3 Reasons You Should Never “Fake it Till You Make it” in Dysphagia
Faking it in dysphagia therapy poses significant risks. Confidence is essential, but without proper knowledge, misdiagnoses and harmful recommendations can occur. The ASHA Code of Ethics emphasizes honesty and competence. Professionals should seek education, mentorship, and prioritize patient safety, ensuring informed, evidence-based interventions in dysphagia care.
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Dysphagia Ramblings 