ASHA Learning Pass

Originally published and offered for ASHA CEUs as ASHA SIG 13 Perspectives, Vol. 22, No. 3, November 2013. Please note: If you completed this program when it was initially published in the ASHA SIG 13 Perspectives newsletter, you are not eligible to take it again. Call the Action Center at 800-498-2071 to check your eligibility.

Speech-language pathologists working in health care are faced with many challenges, including an ever-changing reimbursement and regulatory landscape and varied patient population. These challenges require ongoing education and training, as well as knowledge of evidence-based practices and appropriate roles and responsibilities. This self-study addresses issues that SLPs working with dysphagia need to consider so that they can help their patients achieve the best possible clinical outcomes. The course begins with a discussion of the role of the SLP in addressing cough and then delves into a further discussion of sensory processing and how that may affect swallowing. It continues with a detailed description of issues the SLP must consider in long-term care settings and when providing palliative care. SLPs working with individuals with dysphagia can use this information to improve services and advocate for their role in the challenging health care environment.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• discuss the role of the SLP in evaluating and treating cough disorders
• describe the evidence for the use of altered sensory input on swallowing function
• discuss issues that affect swallowing management in the long-term care setting
• explain the roles and responsibilities of SLPs addressing dysphagia in the palliative care environment

Learning Assessment
Multiple-choice exam