ASHA Learning Pass

In this course, presenter Nancy B. Swigert examines the impacts of impaired anatomy and physiology on swallowing safety and efficiency in adults. The course is designed to aid clinicians in managing the evaluation and treatment of adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia. The speaker discusses the functions of specific structures, spaces, and muscles related to swallowing as well as the relationship between esophageal and oropharyngeal signs and symptoms.

The course features clearly labeled animations and videos of instrumental studies – e.g., videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES) – at different speeds to guide clinicians’ ability to interpret the imagery. The course also includes interactive “quizzes” throughout, which provide feedback on application of concepts.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• describe the impact of impaired anatomy and physiology of the oral, and pharyngeal structures on the safety and efficiency of swallowing in adults
• name major structures, spaces, and muscles and state their function in oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal swallowing
• discuss how abnormal anatomy and/or physiology relates to treatment goals

Related Courses

This course is part of the Fundamentals of Dysphagia learning path.

This learning path is designed for clinicians who are new to the area of swallowing disorders—as well as experienced clinicians who want a refresher. Taken together, these courses provide a comprehensive overview of dysphagia assessment and treatment.

What is a learning path? A learning path is a curated set of courses on an essential topic, designed for you to take in order—or in whatever order you wish—as you have time in your schedule. Our learning paths identify sets of key courses so you can get on your way to mastering particular areas of practice according to your needs, priorities, and interests.

Presenter Information

Nancy B. Swigert, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is president of Swigert & Associates, Inc., providing consulting and teaching. She is the former Director of Speech-Language Pathology and Respiratory Care at Baptist Health Lexington at their acute care facility in Lexington, Kentucky. Prior to that she had a private practice for 25 years. Swigert is a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders and chaired the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders from 2012–2014. Her main clinical interests are in the areas of pediatric and adult dysphagia. She lectures extensively in those areas. She also writes and lectures on coding, documentation, reimbursement, and other practice management topics. Her new book, Documentation and Reimbursement for Speech-Language Pathologists, was published in 2018. The 4th edition of The Source for Dysphagia was released in 2019. She served on ASHA’s Health Care Economics Committee for 9 years and chaired it for 6. Swigert received her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. She received the Honors of ASHA in 2015.

Financial Disclosures:

• Book royalties from ProEd 
• Financial compensation from ASHA for this presentation

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• Member of the Medical Advisory Board of the National Foundation on Swallowing Disorders

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete the learning assessment by the end date below.

Program History and CE Information

Content origination date: July 31, 2019
End date: July 31, 2024

This course is offered for 0.4 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).