Unsure when a patient's oxygen support (high flow nasal cannula, BiPAP, Venturi mask) makes swallowing unsafe? This essential guide breaks down how flow rate and FiO2 affect breathing-swallowing coordination and aspiration risk. Learn the key factors to confidently decide on PO status.

When 'everyone is responsible' for patient care tasks like oral hygiene, no one is. Learn how the powerful Bystander Effect creates dangerous gaps in healthcare accountability, leading to missed vital care. Discover practical strategies for healthcare professionals, including SLPs, to overcome the diffusion of responsibility and improve patient safety.

Is "NPO except for medications" a safe recommendation? This article dives into the complex clinical reasoning for dysphagia management, weighing aspiration risks against urgent medical needs and advocating for a collaborative, patient-centered approach.

Maximize your clinical impact as a speech pathologist. Discover how applying the principle of leverage—small inputs for asymmetrical outputs—can transform dysphagia management, improve patient outcomes, and bring your practice to excellence.

Co-written with Dr. James Coyle PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow, challenges common misconceptions about aspiration in dysphagia. It advocates for moving beyond the "aspirator" label and fear-based practices like unnecessary NPO recommendations. The article provides a nuanced look at using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) correctly, redefines aspiration as a risk factor to be managed rather than a sole diagnosis, and promotes a patient-centered, rehabilitative approach over restrictive measures. This resource is essential for clinicians seeking to enhance their understanding of swallowing function and provide more effective, compassionate care.

Explore how interdisciplinary teamwork and effective communication, inspired by Dale Carnegie, can prevent medical errors and improve patient outcomes. Learn from a real-life case of a 78-year-old with dysphagia, stroke, and COPD, and discover strategies for building rapport and ensuring patient safety in complex medical scenarios

As a Med SLP, do you know the "thick and dirty" on mucus management? This guide unpacks why misbehaving mucus can pose serious health risks for dysphagia patients and how SLPs can lead a collaborative, evidence-based approach to improve swallowing.

Ending feeding tube dependence is a huge step, but is the patient getting enough nutrition afterward? Learn why careful monitoring is vital and how a systematic approach can prevent malnutrition and ensure a safe, successful return to oral eating.

Have you ever felt like you're constantly trying to piece together a puzzle, but half the pieces are missing, and the other half belong to a different box entirely? Or perhaps you're pulling on one end of a rope, and other interdisciplinary team members (IDT) are pulling on the other, creating tug-of-war instead of a cohesive effort? This isn't just a feeling; it's the reality of working in a healthcare system fractured by 'silos.' Discover how this invisible maze is causing real problems for patients – and what we, as Med SLPs, can do to help them find their way out. You might be surprised at the true cost of our disconnected healthcare world.

Dysphagia and dehydration go hand in hand. Especially when thickened liquids come into the mix. Learn why dehydration is a silent epidemic in the elderly, explore fluid-dense foods, and understand the Dehydration Risk Appraisal Checklist (DRAC). Featuring insights from Kathy Panther of the Frazier Institute, this article provides SLPs and caregivers with actionable tips to improve hydration, reduce aspiration risk, and enhance patient well-being.

Discover how SLPs can revolutionize patient care using lessons from James Dyson's approach to innovation, challenging the status quo for better outcomes beyond the feeding tube.

That "I've got this" vibe we sometimes project? It might be the ghost of TV doctors past. This article explores how medical dramas can create unrealistic expectations in our SLP work and offers a powerful antidote: humility, patience, and genuine connection.

Aspiration pneumonia always means dysphagia, right? Think again. Discover the surprising truth behind lung infections, the hidden causes beyond swallowing difficulties, and why focusing solely on the oropharynx can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? You are far from alone. Learn practical, evidence-based strategies for managing persistent self-doubt and mitigating its effects on patient care and personal well-being.

Explore the complex relationship between lung disease and dysphagia. Learn practical strategies for evaluating and managing swallowing impairments in pulmonary-compromised patients, based on expert insights.

Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in diagnosing esophageal dysphagia. Understand the modified barium swallow study, differential diagnosis, and key questions to ask. Learn about treatment options and when to refer to a gastroenterologist.

Improve interdisciplinary team communication and shared decision-making. Discover the PARTNERS© framework for difficult medical conversations, including feeding tube considerations and patient preferences.

Stories of misdiagnosed dementia reveal the dangers of polypharmacy. Learn how SLPs can combat medication-induced cognitive impairment. Discover medication detection, the MED guideline, and real-life case studies in our new course.

The Free Water Protocol (FWP) allows patients with dysphagia to drink water between meals. But is it safe? Learn about the pros and cons of FWP, including improved quality of life and increased hydration, as well as the risks of aspiration and the importance of careful patient selection. We'll explore the latest research and clinical considerations for implementing FWP safely and effectively.

This post explores the complex medical and ethical dilemmas surrounding dysphagia management and nutrition. Discover how to approach these sensitive situations by prioritizing patient autonomy, informed decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Learn about the role of advance directives, end-of-life considerations, and the importance of clear communication in navigating these challenges.