Evidence Based Videofluoroscopy: Moving Beyond Fear Based Decision Making - Course Description

The Modified Barium (Videofluoroscopic) Swallow Study enables skilled clinicians to assess the physiology of a patient’s swallowing patterns; identifying pathological physiological processes and determining the effect of these processes on swallowing safety and efficiency. Standardization in the radiology suite, including appropriate materials and recording systems, helps clinicians determine routes of oral intake, compensatory strategies, and overall patient safety. Real-time decision-making, combined with review of the recorded study, provides a comprehensive assessment of swallowing issues, including aspiration or residue during the pharyngeal phase. Clinicians must also consider patient preferences, diagnoses, and the risks of aspiration pneumonia when developing a care plan.

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This session challenges clinicians to move away from fear-based decision-making, rooted in their initial training and comfort zones, and toward evidence-based practices. The text explores how automatic thinking, confirmation bias, and stereotypes can limit a clinician’s ability to provide optimal care, especially in situations involving the MBSS. Instructors play a crucial role in preventing outdated beliefs, like the assumption that all aspiration is fatal, from persisting in clinical practice. By examining new insights and questioning long-held practices, clinicians can provide higher quality care and reduce the risk that dysphagia shortens a patient’s life. The session will also focus on safety versus efficiency terminology, highlighting best practices in the radiology suite with case studies.

Learning Objectives:​

Learners will...

1. Describe normative data range for levels of penetration & aspiration of liquid material.

2. Describe 2 reasons we need to utilize standardization in the Radiology Suite

3. Describe what swallowing safety means versus efficiency.

4. Combine the strongest predictors of aspiration pneumonia with results of MBS studies to formulate a plan designed to mitigate pulmonary adverse events.

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Target Audience: Intermediate level

CE Credit: 0.2 ASHA CEUs (2 hours) to ASHA members who attend the entire session and completes the attestation of attendance on the post-event survey. No partial CE credit is provided. 

Day and Time: Thursday, October 17th. from 6:30 - 8:30 PM EST / 3:30 - 5:30 PM PST

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation can be made for a full refund until 1 hour of the event.