Dysphagia Training Course

Lesson 1 • Oral Cavity Structures and Function

Covers lips, tongue, teeth, palate, and salivary glands as swallowing components. Establishes anatomical baseline for understanding oral-phase mechanics.

Lesson 2 • Pharyngeal Anatomy and Landmarks

Identifies nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx structures critical to safe bolus passage. Connects pharyngeal anatomy to airway protection mechanisms.

Lesson 3 • Oesophageal Anatomy and Sphincters

Describes oesophageal layers, the upper oesophageal sphincter, and the lower oesophageal sphincter. Establishes the anatomical basis for oesophageal-phase swallowing.

Lesson 4 • Neural Control of Swallowing

Maps cranial nerves and brainstem swallowing centres that coordinate the swallow response. Provides the neurological framework needed for understanding dysphagia aetiology.

Lesson 1 • Airway Protection Mechanisms

Examines the sequential laryngeal closure events that prevent aspiration during swallowing. Provides the physiological basis for interpreting airway compromise in dysphagia.

Lesson 2 • Oesophageal Phase Physiology

Covers upper oesophageal sphincter opening, primary peristalsis, and bolus clearance to the stomach. Links oesophageal physiology to symptoms such as regurgitation and globus.

Lesson 3 • Oral Preparatory and Oral Transport Phases

Analyses bolus formation, mastication, and anterior-to-posterior tongue propulsion. Connects oral-phase mechanics to downstream pharyngeal triggering.

Lesson 4 • Pharyngeal Phase Biomechanics

Details velopharyngeal closure, pharyngeal stripping wave, and hyolaryngeal excursion during swallowing. Establishes measurable benchmarks for normal pharyngeal function.

Lesson 1 • Structural and Mechanical Causes

Covers head and neck cancer, Zenker's diverticulum, cervical osteophytes, and other structural aetiologies. Links anatomical changes to specific phase impairments.

Lesson 2 • Dysphagia Classification Systems

Applies phase-based and severity-based classification frameworks to organise clinical findings. Enables consistent documentation and communication across the care team.

Lesson 3 • Neurological Causes of Dysphagia

Examines stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions causing dysphagia. Connects lesion location to expected swallowing deficits.

Lesson 4 • Paediatric Dysphagia Aetiologies

Addresses prematurity, congenital anomalies, cerebral palsy, and feeding disorders in children. Distinguishes paediatric dysphagia profiles from adult presentations.

Lesson 1 • Patient History and Chart Review

Extracts relevant medical, surgical, and nutritional history to frame the swallowing evaluation. Establishes the clinical context before any direct patient contact.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Trial Swallowing Assessment

Administers graduated bolus trials across textures and volumes while observing clinical signs of aspiration. Integrates findings into a preliminary dysphagia diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Oral Motor and Sensory Examination

Assesses lip seal, tongue strength, palatal movement, laryngeal elevation, and oral sensation. Provides structural and functional data to predict swallowing performance.

Lesson 4 • Dysphagia Screening Tools

Applies validated water swallow tests and nurse-administered screening protocols to identify aspiration risk. Distinguishes screening from full diagnostic evaluation.

Lesson 1 • VFSS Image Analysis and Measurement

Applies validated measurement tools to quantify hyolaryngeal excursion, pharyngeal residue, and timing parameters. Produces objective data to support clinical decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Instrumental Report Writing and Communication

Translates instrumental findings into structured diagnostic reports with treatment implications. Prepares clinicians to present findings to referring physicians and care teams.

Lesson 3 • Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Principles

Explains the radiographic basis, equipment setup, and radiation safety principles of the VFSS procedure. Establishes the technical foundation before protocol execution.

Lesson 4 • Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

Covers endoscope passage, laryngeal visualisation, and FEES protocol for assessing secretion management and bolus flow. Distinguishes FEES findings from VFSS findings.

Lesson 1 • Treatment Planning and Goal Setting

Constructs measurable short- and long-term treatment goals aligned with instrumental findings and patient priorities. Integrates patient values and medical prognosis into the treatment plan.

Lesson 2 • Oral Motor and Lingual Exercises

Applies resistance-based tongue exercises and lip strengthening protocols to improve oral-phase bolus control. Establishes exercise dosing principles for neuromuscular rehabilitation.

Lesson 3 • Sensory Enhancement Techniques

Uses thermal-tactile stimulation, sour bolus, and carbonation to heighten pharyngeal sensory input and improve swallow trigger timing. Applies sensory techniques as adjuncts to motor treatment.

Lesson 4 • Compensatory Strategies for Safe Swallowing

Teaches postural adjustments and swallowing manoeuvres that immediately reduce aspiration risk during meals. Connects each strategy to the physiological deficit it addresses.

Lesson 1 • Thickening Agents and Food Modification

Compares starch-based and gum-based thickeners and evaluates commercially modified foods for dysphagia diets. Addresses preparation consistency and patient acceptability.

Lesson 2 • Matching Diet Level to Physiological Deficit

Links specific swallowing impairments to appropriate texture and liquid levels using evidence-based decision rules. Prevents over-restriction and under-restriction of oral intake.

Lesson 3 • International Texture Modification Frameworks

Introduces standardised food texture and liquid thickness classification systems used globally in dysphagia management. Establishes consistent terminology for diet prescription across care settings.

Lesson 4 • Nutritional Adequacy of Modified Diets

Evaluates caloric and micronutrient adequacy of texture-modified diets and identifies supplementation needs. Coordinates with dietitians to prevent malnutrition in dysphagic patients.

Lesson 1 • Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Defines the roles of physicians, nurses, dietitians, and occupational therapists in dysphagia care. Builds skills for leading and contributing to team-based management decisions.

Lesson 2 • High-Risk Populations and Complex Cases

Applies advanced clinical reasoning to patients with dementia, ventilator dependence, and severe neurological impairment. Adapts standard protocols to medically complex presentations.

Lesson 3 • Outcome Measurement and Quality Improvement

Applies validated outcome measures to track patient progress and evaluate service quality. Uses data to drive continuous improvement in dysphagia programmes.

Lesson 4 • Risk-Benefit Analysis in Dysphagia Management

Applies structured frameworks to weigh aspiration risk against nutritional need and quality of life. Prepares clinicians to justify clinical decisions in complex cases.