Birmingham Post-Basic Adult Dysphagia for Speech and Language Therapists

The purpose of the course is to provide qualified Speech and Language Therapists with introductory theory and knowledge to support the achievement of Level C RCSLT Dysphagia Training & Competency Framework. This is a face-face theoretical course delivered by specialist clinicians working in acute adult dysphagia care.

Please note attaining Level C is dependent on practical kills and knowledge sign off by your line manager and will not be completed by attending this course

It is not an academic course and does not qualify for points towards a masters degree or ECTS/ECVET. The course content is regularly updated to keep pace with current dysphagia evidence base and practice.

Pre course requirements:

• You must be a qualified speech and language therapist
• You should have some basic knowledge, prior experience, or be working with adults in acute care with dysphagia.
• Please note this course does not cover paediatric or ALD dysphagia.
• There is no pre course reading requirement
• We are unable to provide supervision or arrange a supervisor for you. You must arrange this yourself.

The course consists of

• Six days over a three week period held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmignham
• You will need to be able to attend all sessions in person to join the course.
• You will need to complete the practical competencies and sign off the RCSLT competency document outside of this course.

The course will cover the following.

• Introduction to dysphagia competencies: logistics and expectations
• Well being during dysphagia training
• Anatomy, cranial nerves and the normal swallow
• Case history taking and bedside swallow assessments
• Dysphagia management in a range of specialist adult acute areas including health care for older people, specialist surgery, port extubation, respitory, progressive neurological, neuro trauma, stroke, head and neck cancer, mental health and oncology.
• Practical implementation of IDDSI
• MDT roles and responsibilities.
• Instrumental assessmentsin dysphagia management
• Cultural, ethical, and vulnerability considerations in dysphagia assessment and amangement
• Role of dietician and respitory physiotherapist.

• Sessions will be delivered in presentation format, with opportunity for role play and practical activities.
• Presentations will be sent to you after the sessions have been completed.
• Lunch is not provided. However, there is a restaurant on site, M&S and coffee vendors on site
• Visitor parking (charges apply) is available on site but can be limited, there are good bus links to trains and University station.

The course will run 08:30-16:00 on:

October 7th-8th

October 14th-15th

October 21st-22nd

Candidates must attend all 6 dates.

For any further queries please contact: birminghamdysphagiacollaborative@uhb.nhs.uk