Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders (469-0-20)
Topic
Medical SLP
Instructors
Kristin Ann Larsen
Carolyn Grace Chiu
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 1441: Mon 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Overview of class
Current scientific and professional problems in communication sciences and disorders. Topics vary by quarter.
Registration Requirements
Course is open only to second year Speech Pathology students.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:
1. Compare and contrast the role of speech language pathologists in different health care settings, including acute inpatient hospital, acute/sub-acute rehab, skilled nursing facilities, long term acute care, and home health settings.
2. Define standard infection control procedures and precautions.
3. Identify information in a medical chart review that is relevant to SLP evaluation and treatment.
4. Identify different members of a multidisciplinary team and describe individual roles.
5. Describe various medical imaging techniques including X-ray, CT, MRI, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, etc.
6. Describe evaluation/treatment considerations in intensive care units, including use of vital signs/telemonitoring during assessment of critically ill patients.
7. Differentiate between methods of assessment used in medical settings (i.e. screening vs. formal evaluation vs. standardized/instrumental testing).
8. Describe how the pulmonary system affects both communication and swallowing functions.
9. Discuss different types of invasive and non-invasive ventilation and identify conditions that may necessitate the use of each type.
10. Discuss the purpose and use of tracheostomy speaking valves and describe their impact on communication and swallowing.
11. Describe normal gastrointestinal function and identify GI disorders that may impact oropharyngeal swallowing function or assessment.
12. Define different methods of non-oral nutrition, including nasogastric tubes, orogastric tubes, gastrostomy tubes, and total paraenteral nutrition.
13. Describe how common cardiovascular conditions and procedures may impact swallowing and discuss considerations related to SLP evaluation/treatment of cardiac patients.
14. Discuss evaluation, management, and considerations related to patients with neurologic impairments across the spectrum of care.
15. Discuss SLP management of progressive neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
16. Identify normal head and neck anatomy and physiology.
17. Describe how surgical management and/or chemoradiotherapy can affect voice and swallowing function in head & neck cancer patients.
18. Describe potential swallowing problems associated with connective tissue disorders, autoimmune diseases, as well as spinal cord injuries and/or procedures.
19. Describe possible swallowing changes in patients with dementia as well as in the general aging population, and discuss potential ethical considerations that may arise with end of life issues.
20. Assimilate complex information from case histories to develop appropriate evaluation and treatment plans.
Evaluation Method
Grades will be calculated based on the following breakdown:
Quizzes (8 total): 50%
Labs (3 total): 20%
Final exam: 30%
Class Materials (Required)
No textbook required. Additional articles, readings, and pre-learning presentations will be posted on Canvas.
Class Materials (Suggested)
OPTIONAL Class Materials: Frucht, Suzanne S. (2016) Medical terminology: get connected! Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson.
Class Notes
Exploration of the current best practices in the treatment and management of patients with communication and/or swallowing impairments across the spectrum of medical care. Overview of relevant physiology and body systems as related to providing appropriate care across different adult populations. Focus on medical chart review and terminology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and clinical decision making. Discussion of ethical considerations in health care as well as multidisciplinary approaches with medical and other allied specialties. Hands-on practical experience with simulated patient interactions to facilitate development of critical thinking and clinical skills within the medical setting.