Swallow Studies: From Set Up to Clean Up

Course overview

Starting off in the world of administering swallow studies can feel overwhelming. This course will provide tools to help the therapist feel knowledgeable and confident in performing swallow studies. Specific topics will include setting up the room for the study, preparing the patient and family members, working with special populations, and mixing barium to follow IDDSI guidelines. In addition, the therapist will learn tips for cultural considerations, gain knowledge around radiation safety and precautions, and feel confident collaborating with the radiology team. Detailed information regarding how the fluoroscopy equipment works, how to choose views to obtain information to make recommendations, and clinical decision making regarding steps involved in completing the swallow study will be included in this presentation. This course will focus on administration of swallow studies, not interpretation.