Heartbeat: A guide to Dysphagia – new e-learning module now available
October 25, 2021
In 2019, the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative was rolled out across our Trust alongside a new gum based thickening agent, Nutilis Clear. This brought about a much needed standardisation of the language used to describe food and fluid safety modifications and necessitated wide scale ward based training regarding new terminologies and methods for accurate mixing of drinks.
As part of the inpatient speech and language therapy department recovery phase following COVID-19, the speech and language therapy team have launched a reinvigorated strategy to regain structured swallowing awareness, training for our hospital wards and to support staff development needs with dysphagia management.
To support colleagues across the Trust to gain a better understanding of dysphagia, the team are encouraging colleagues to complete the online dysphagia e-learning module developed by Nutricia.
Launching the new training programme Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Briony Storey said: “Dysphagia is an often misunderstood condition but one that can be managed with care. It’s important that colleagues across the Trust take the time to learn the signs, symptoms and management skills to keep patients safe.
“The pandemic has taught many of us how to access virtual training sessions and this module can be accessed online through ESR, ‘Course 381: A Guide to Dysphagia’, making access to learning even easier than ever before.”
The new training resource is aimed at supporting any healthcare professionals caring for those with dysphagia and will help to increase awareness, understanding and management skills of those looking after patients experiencing swallowing difficulties. The virtual package presents a new training opportunity or would be appropriate as a concise recap for those who have had some level of prior swallowing awareness training during the rollout of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative.
The course is split into four modules, each taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. Each subset can be saved throughout and returned to at a convenient time therefore completion does not need to be in its entirety. The modules cover:
- What is dysphagia?
- Signs, symptoms and consequences
- Management of dysphagia
- Using a thickener
It is hoped that with the rollout of this training package, colleague confidence and knowledge will increase for recognising a patient with dysphagia and understanding the concurrent signs, symptoms and management options available. The training package forms part of a range of exciting Trust quality improvement initiatives focused around the importance of nutrition and hydration.
For more information, please email briony.storey@nhs.net.