Trach And Vent Patients: What The SLP Needs To Know About Communication And Swallowing

Course overview

Presented by a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Respiratory Therapist, this online course will examine factors that affect communication and swallowing performance for adult patients with tracheostomy tubes with and without mechanical ventilation. It begins with the basics for clinicians new to this patient population. For the more experienced clinician (explained in terms that all will understand) this course also addresses the current state of the science in management of the tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patient. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of specific tracheostomy tubes and speaking valves will be covered to ensure best practice. Explanation of how "talking" tracheostomy tubes differ from standard tubes and speaking valves is included, as well as a discussion of common speaking valves and how they enable phonation. SLP "must knows" related to patients on mechanical ventilation will be covered, including: explanation of common ventilator settings such as tidal volume, respiratory rate and PEEP; identifying common ventilator alarms; and how to apply an inline speaking valve with the ventilator. Also discussed will be issues related to secretion management and methods to re-establish airflow to the upper airway.