Assessing and managing eating, drinking and swallowing issues: The role of occupational therapy (August 3, 2021)

Eating, drinking and swallowing are activities of daily living that can be affected by stroke or other neurological conditions.  Occupational therapists are increasingly called upon to assess and intervene with these issues. It is imperative that occupational therapists understand the importance of their role and are able to provide evidence-based, effective care. 

This webinar will provide an overview of the occupational therapy role in managing ingestive skill loss. Evidence-informed and effective assessment and strategies for adults with neurological conditions will be discussed in depth, including benefits and limitations of instrumental evaluations such as the Modified Barium Swallow and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing.  Areas amenable to occupational therapy-specific interventions will be discussed, as well as areas where occupational therapists may seek to have greater involvement in the future.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Define the role of occupational therapists in managing eating, drinking and swallowing problems.
2. Understand the rationale behind the selection and administration of various assessment strategies for eating, drinking and swallowing problems.
3. Understand current practices in the occupational therapy treatment of eating, drinking and swallowing problems.

Level 
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)