Deglutition Projects

A Pilot Study on Tongue Pressures of Geriatric Population [Yet To Start]

The significance of this project is to compare the tongue strength and endurance levels between the two age groups, younger and older, and compare the factors contributing to the risk of developing dysphagia in the latter group. This project will also contribute to the objective measurements of tongue and lip endurance and strength, which can be used in clinical practice and application, by comparing the data collection protocols used in the previous research data. Finally, this research project may identify the risk factors associated with presbyphagia that could contribute to reducing tongue strength and endurance. This knowledge can be used for preventive strategies and interventions to maintain a safe and efficient swallowing in aging population.

Student Investigator: Rylee Davis, B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders Senior

Interprofessional Team Members in Dysphagia Project Celebrating "Swalloween" Awareness

Swalloween Awareness 2023

Interprofessional Team-Based Learning in Dysphagia Management (ongoing)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of hybrid dysphagia interprofessional labs for students in healthcare disciplines, level of preparedness, and knowledge, while working with individuals with dysphagia and other care team members.

Collaboration

Dr. Ashley McKnight, DrOT, Occupational Science and Therapy, GVSU

Ms. Lisa VanDyken, M.S., Clinical Simulation and Resource Specialist, GVSU

Prof. Randalynn Hajek, M.P.H., RDN., Clinical Dietetics, GVSU

Prof. Kelsey Jewett, M.S., OTRL, Occupational Science and Therapy, GVSU

Prof. Nichole Anguilm, M.S., RDN, Clinical Dietetics, GVSU

Prof. Emily Welles, M.S., RDN, Clinical Dietetics, GVSU

Dr. Barbara Hooper, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN., CHSE., Nursing, GVSU

SLP Labs

Student practicing oral mechanism testing on a team member as part of clinical bedside swallow examination

Oral Mech and Cranial Nerve Exam

Students monitoring vitals pre- and post-swallowing activity to compare the difference from the baseline

Pre- and Post-Vitals Monitoring

Student administering 3-Oz water test on a team member along with measuring the swallow duration using a stop watch and assessing hyolaryngeal function with a 4-finger test

3-Oz Water Testing Using the Yale Swallow Protocol

Oral swallow trials using 3-finger test

Oral reside checks post-swallow

Working in interprofessional teams

OT Labs

Interprofessional team discussing on optimal positioning strategies with the help of manikin on a hospital bed

Positional Strategies Based on Seating System

Interprofessional team discussing the rationale behind selecting an appropriate feeding adaptive device to increase feeding independence and swallow safety

Feeding Adaptive Devices to Maximize Independence and Safety

Students practicing oral care using suctioning system on a manikin head

Oral Care and Hygiene with a Demo Using Suctioning System

Practicing feeding positioning in wheelchair

Interprofessional team working on oral care

OT instructor displaying weighted and comfort grip utensil

Dietetics Labs

Interprofessional students practicing flow tests using 10-cc syringes to prepare appropriate diet consistencies using "IDDSI" approach

IDDSI Diet Preparation and Testing

Student practicing bolus feedings through the PEG tube feeding using a 60-cc syringe on a manikin

Bolus Feedings using 60-cc Syringes

Students practicing the nasogastric tube insertion on a manikin

NG Tube Insertions Using Manikins

IDDSI Flow Test using 10-cc Syringe

Dietetics Instructor Discussing on Enteral Feeding Gravity Set

Interprofessional group enjoying thickened drink tasting

On the left-hand side, a standard patient was sitting in an upright position on a hospital bed. On the right-hand side, the monitor displays the "simulated" vitals of the standard patient mimicking normal and abnormal function

Hybrid Simulation: Using Student-Directed, High-Fidelity Remote Labs, and Standardized Patients in the Clinical Education of Dysphagia Intervention (Ongoing)

This project attempts to prepare future speech-language pathology clinicians on dysphagia management. Hybrid simulation techniques will be used to practice a comprehensive clinical bedside swallow exam in a simulated inpatient medical setting on a standardized patient with a swallowing difficulty along with working with a team of standardized patients portraying patient, family member, nurse, and physician to diagnose and intervene a swallowing disorder through a patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care model. The follow up lab will be to provide teletherapy services for dysphagia in a simulated home setting.

Collaboration

Douglas Ayers, B.S.N., R.N., Simulation Coordinator, GVSU

Kelly Klerk, Ed.S., Multimedia Coordinator, GVSU

Lisa VanDyken, M.S., CCC-SLP, Clinical Simulation and Resource Specialist, GVSU

Ty Rizer, Simulation Emerging Technology Developer, GVSU

Andrew Booth, DHED., PA-C., Physician Assistant Studies, GVSU

Picture of Melissa Farrow and Sri Nandamudi Presenting at IASSIDD International Conference

Impact of Intellectual Disability and Challenging Behaviors on Performing Clinical Swallowing Assessment and Intervention (ongoing)

The purpose of this study is to identify a few barriers related to intellectual disability and challenging behaviors in preventing the speech-language pathologists to incorporate specific assessment components and successfully implement recommended treatment plans.

Collaboration

Melissa Farrow, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Texas Health and Human Services' Health and Specialty Care System

Page last modified August 21, 2024

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