Clinical Reasoning in Assessment and Therapy Planning for Older Persons with Dysphagia (Classroom & Asynchronous e-Learning)
About This Course
This course equips speech-language therapists with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical reasoning in the assessment and management of dysphagia in older adults. Designed for practitioners with foundational skills in oral motor examinations and bedside swallowing assessments, the course strengthens clinical decision-making through case discussions, paper-based case studies, and simulated patient scenarios.
Participants will develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, including age-related changes that affect swallowing function. They will learn to apply a range of dysphagia assessment methods, including clinical observations, case history interviews, and the interpretation of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.
The course explores common age-related conditions and comorbidities, such as dementia, delirium, infections, neurological disorders, and nutritional issues, and their impact on swallowing and care planning. Participants will use a structured clinical reasoning framework to guide assessment and intervention decisions.
Evidence-based management approaches, including compensatory strategies, exercise-based therapies, dietary modifications, and adaptive equipment, will be covered and applied through case-based learning. The course also emphasises effective communication with clients and caregivers, interdisciplinary collaboration with healthcare professionals, and ethical, legal, and evidence-based considerations in geriatric dysphagia care.
What You'll Learn
- Explain the impact of ageing on the swallowing mechanism and its role in the development of dysphagia in older persons.
- Develop skills to conduct a comprehensive case history interview for older persons with dysphagia, integrating relevant information about their medical history, dietary habits, swallowing history, environmental, social and physical challenges.
- Develop skills to perform a comprehensive clinical assessment of swallowing in older persons, integrating clinical observations with results from case history and clinical assessment of swallowing to facilitate holistic interpretation and diagnosis.
- Identify the appropriateness and considerations for instrumental assessments, and understand the physiological changes contributing to dysphagia in older adults via instrumental assessments.
- Develop individualised treatment plans for older persons, incorporating appropriate therapeutic techniques, compensatory strategies, and dietary modifications.
- Identify potential barriers and challenges in managing dysphagia in the geriatric population, and devise appropriate strategies to address them, such as considering cognitive impairments or medication interactions.
- Discuss the ethical considerations and legal frameworks relevant to working with geriatric dysphagic clients, including issues of consent, capacity, and confidentiality.
- Develop the ability to critically evaluate and apply current research and evidence-based practice guidelines in the field of dysphagia in the older, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development in their clinical practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide counselling and education to geriatric dysphagic clients and their families, offering guidance on safe swallowing techniques, dietary modifications, and strategies for maintaining optimal oral health.
Entry Requirements
Degree in Speech-Language Therapy
Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registered (conditionally registered or full registered)