Preventing Aspiration in Vulnerable Populations

Course overview

Swallowing is a complex process that can be disrupted by many conditions that increase the risk of aspiration. Dangerous complications that can be prevented include aspiration pneumonitis and aspiration pneumonia. Due to the prevalence of the population at risk for aspiration, all healthcare professionals must recognize risk factors, screen, and intervene to protect their patients. The goal of this course is to provide nurses, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, and physicians with education about how to identify patients at risk for aspiration and protect patients from aspirating.