ASHA Learning Pass

This session addresses fully engaging the patient and decision-makers in the process of informed consent around diet consistency modification, particularly in the SNF setting. Presenters discuss relating the results of instrumental assessment of swallowing to the structure and function of the swallowing mechanism, allowing for critical thinking about risks and benefits of all the possible diet consistencies as one component of the overall plan of treatment for dysphagia. The session debunks practices such as diet waivers and recommendations for the “safest” diet and includes a dialog about informed consent as part of a clinical case study. The presenters discuss ethical, evidence-based, and practical approaches to discussing and assuring comprehension of choices while avoiding coercion.

This course was recorded at the 2023 ASHA Convention in Boston (session 1922).

Related Courses

See more sessions from the 2023 ASHA Convention.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Describe the components of informed consent in dysphagia management involving diet consistency modification
• Explain ethical best practices for dysphagia management involving diet consistency modification
• Discuss the regulations in the SNF environment that support engagement of the patient in the decision-making process

Presenter Information

Dr. Pamela A. Smith, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in neurogenic disorders for over 20 years. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Moravian University and the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Financial Disclosures:

• Relias
• MedBridge

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• Coordinator, ASHA SIG 15, Gerontology
• Member, ASHA BSIGC

Mary Casper, MA, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, FNAP, is the Senior Director of the Special Interest Group Programs at ASHA and was previously employed as a Corporate Rehabilitation Director with ProMedica. Ms. Casper is an adjunct instructor, teaching a graduate-level dysphagia course for University of Saint Augustine for the Health Sciences. She is an ASHA Fellow, a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, and member of DRS and American Society on Aging.

Financial Disclosures:

• Full-time ASHA employee 
• Previously employed full-time with ProMedica

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• Volunteer with US IDDSI Resource Group

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: November 2023
End date: February 10, 2030

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).