Hope Is In The Science

Formal speech language pathology (SLP) education programs do not extensively train the interpretation of modified barium swallow studies (MBSS aka videofluoroscopy). Still, many SLPs who are involved in dysphagia management are required to make immediate and long-term clinical decisions about a patient’s care based on MBSS. This lack of MBSS training, combined with poor education about normal swallowing (see Missing A&P course), might be the basis for over diagnosis of dysphagia among individuals with normal or functional swallowing (Vose et al., 2018). The goal of this course is to offer a new approach to creating a physiological rationale when deciding which components of swallowing are normal, functional, or disordered based on MBSS. This approach involves considering the two main goals of swallowing (bolus efficiency and airway protection) and determining whether several oropharyngeal swallowing events are normal, functional, or disordered related to each of these goals. Each oropharyngeal swallowing event is explained based on a case study of a patient with a medullary stroke. Specific tips for report writing rules for MBSS studies are provided. This course includes the live audio from the in-person version of this course from April 28 and 29, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. The attendees’ perspectives enhance the discussions about clinical decision making and round out possible considerations across a broader range of practicing SLPs in dysphagia management.