Dysphagia and Choking
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09030
Max group:
12
Learn to identify, manage, and prevent dysphagia and choking to ensure safe eating and swallowing
Course Summary
Dysphagia and Choking
Dysphagia and Choking This course provides healthcare professionals and caregivers with the essential knowledge and skills to manage dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and prevent choking incidents. Participants will learn to identify signs of dysphagia, understand its causes, and implement safe feeding techniques and interventions. The course also covers the assessment and management of choking emergencies, ensuring participants are prepared to respond effectively and minimise risks. Key Learning Objectives: Understand Dysphagia: Define dysphagia and understand its causes, including neurological, structural, and age-related factors. Recognise the impact of dysphagia on health, nutrition, and quality of life. Identify Signs and Symptoms: Learn to identify early and advanced signs of dysphagia. Understand the risks associated with untreated swallowing difficulties. Safe Feeding Practices: Develop skills to implement safe feeding and swallowing techniques. Learn about food and fluid modifications to reduce choking risks. Choking Prevention and Management: Understand the common causes of choking and how to prevent it. Learn to respond effectively to choking emergencies, including using first aid techniques. Conduct Risk Assessments: Assess individuals for dysphagia and choking risks. Develop care plans tailored to individual needs. Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams: Understand the role of speech and language therapists, dietitians, and other professionals. Learn how to collaborate effectively to optimise care. Promote Awareness and Support: Educate others about dysphagia and choking prevention. Provide empathetic and patient-centred support to individuals and families. By the end of this course, participants will have the confidence and skills to manage dysphagia and choking, ensuring safety, dignity, and quality of life for those affected.
Course Contents
Introduction to Dysphagia and Choking
Definition and overview of dysphagia
Understanding choking and its risks
Prevalence and impact on health and quality of life
Causes and Risk Factors
Neurological causes (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
Structural causes (e.g., head and neck cancer, anatomical abnormalities)
Age-related changes and other risk factors
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia
Identifying early and advanced signs of swallowing difficulties
Recognising subtle symptoms, such as coughing during meals
Understanding the complications of untreated dysphagia
Safe Feeding and Swallowing Practices
Techniques for safe feeding to prevent choking
Food and fluid texture modification (e.g., IDDSI framework)
Positioning and environment considerations for safe eating
Choking: Prevention and Emergency Response
Common causes of choking and high-risk foods
Strategies to reduce choking risks in various settings
Responding to choking emergencies: back blows, abdominal thrusts, and other first aid techniques
Assessment and Management of Dysphagia
Screening tools and methods for identifying dysphagia
Role of swallow assessments by speech and language therapists
Developing care plans to address individual needs
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Working with speech and language therapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists
Importance of teamwork in managing dysphagia
Coordinating care for individuals with complex needs
Practical Scenarios and Case Studies
Analysing real-life cases of dysphagia and choking
Hands-on practice in safe feeding techniques and emergency responses
Group discussions to share experiences and best practices
Supporting Individuals and Families
Communicating effectively with individuals with dysphagia
Providing emotional support and education to families and caregivers
Empowering individuals to participate in their care
Conclusion and Further Learning
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;