Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders (469-0-2)
Topic
Best Practices Dysphagia Treatment
Instructors
Kahla Graham
Meeting Info
2315 Campus Dr Clinic 1630: Tues 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Overview of class
Current scientific and professional issues in communication sciences and disorders. Topics vary by offering.
Learning Objectives
1. Analyze information from patient interviews, clinical swallow evaluations, instrumental studies, and medical records to identify physiologic impairments, safety concerns, and contributing medical factors relevant to swallowing function.
2. Choose appropriate assessment and intervention tools by aligning specific clinical questions with evidence-based practices, standardized rating scales, and specific swallowing impairments suspected or identified.
3. Create evidence-based, patient-centered treatment plans and clearly communicate them through both Grand Rounds presentations and professional written documentation.
4. Appraise learning through structured self-rating and evaluate the performance of peers to support interdisciplinary communication, constructive feedback, and reflective clinical practice.
Evaluation Method
• Pre-Course Assignments & Quizzes: Readings, recorded lectures, and readiness quizzes completed before labs/case handoffs.
• Skill Lab Performance: Competency-based evaluations during structured labs (interviewing, CSE, CN exam, FEES/MBSS procedures, treatment). Includes faculty, peer, and patient feedback.
• Grand Rounds Case Presentations: Group presentations of assessment findings, instrumental justification, interpretation, and evidence-based treatment planning.
• Written Documentation: Clinical documentation including instrumental summaries, treatment plans, and SMART goals, aligned with DCVT expectations.
Self-Assessment & Peer Evaluation: Structured self-ratings and peer evaluations promoting reflection and professional feedback.
Class Materials (Required)
No course materials required. Digitized video cases will be provided. Students will only need their computers.
Class Notes
This advanced course, guided by ASHA's Dysphagia Competency Verification Tool (DCVT), gives students hands-on opportunities to develop and refine the skills needed to evaluate and treat patients with swallowing disorders. Through standardized patients, role-playing, and Grand Rounds case discussions, students practice interviewing, examining, and evaluating swallowing, as well as deciding when and why to use specialized tests like FEES and MBSS. Students also learn to interpret the type and severity of swallowing impairments using validated rating tools, explain their clinical decisions, and develop evidence-based, patient-centered treatment plans. By working through realistic cases across a variety of adult populations, students build strong critical thinking, communication, and documentation skills needed for safe, effective dysphagia assessment and management.