Archives

Handout: What is Barium Sulfate and How Does it Affect My Body?

February 29, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
During a modified barium swallow study, barium helps assess a person’s swallowing function. A medical professional can use this handout to discuss whether a modified barium swallow study is best for the person and how barium affects the body. Bracco Diagnostics. VARIBAR® THIN LIQUID (BARIUM SULFATE) FOR ORAL SUSPENSION, 81% w/w data sheet. April 2023. […]
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Registered Dietician (RD) + Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Collaboration

October 31, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout provides similarities and differences between a registered dietician and a speech-language pathologist and how collaboration provides positive outcomes. Lemieux-Charles, L., McGuire, W.L. (2006) What do we know about health care team effectiveness? A review of the literature. Medical Care Research and Review. 63(3):263-300.
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When Food is No Longer a Comfort

March 1, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
Facing the end of life for a loved one is challenging. This handout will explain why some people stop eating and drinking toward the end of life and how family members can continue showing love and care in other ways. Askren, A. N., & Kershner, M. (2020). Eating, drinking, and comfort at end-of-life: Promoting a […]
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Alternative Nutrition and Hydration: Evidence and Ethical Considerations

January 17, 2022 by Megan Berg.
We will review the evidence base of alternative nutrition and hydration for patients who have survived a stroke or brain injury, live with a neuro-degenerative disease, are in a persistent vegetative state, and/or have dysphagia, advanced dementia, advanced cancer or organ failure, and/or head and neck cancer. Relevant case studies from the Center for Practical […]
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Recommendations of Nasogastric Tube Removal in Acute Stroke Patients Based on Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (2017)

January 14, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Dysphagia occurs in about 27% to 67% of patients after an acute stroke. Evaluation and treatment of dysphagia are important to prevent aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition, which reduce the person’s quality of life. Those patients with aspiration are seven times more likely to develop aspiration pneumonia than those without aspiration. It is common for NGT […]
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NG Tube Effect on Swallowing Physiology

December 30, 2021 by Megan Berg.
A common question asked by SLPs is whether the presence of an NG tube affects swallow function. This clinical resource provides insight and answers to this question using research on both normal and post-stroke populations.
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Keep Calm and Assess the Risk of Aspiration Pneumonia

December 27, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Does aspiration = pneumonia? Maybe. This handout is designed to help SLPs navigate this complex conversation with patients who are at risk of dysphagia. The handout breaks down the evidence base of three variables and how they stack up to different risks. This provides a clear visual as to how a healthy immune system and […]
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Xerostomia / Dry Mouth

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes the various causes of xerostomia and provides a list of treatment options, including using natural enzymes, adjusting medications, oral rinses and moisturizing products, use of humidifiers, and avoiding dehydrating foods/liquids.
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What to Know Before Signing a Legal Variance Form

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is designed for patients and families facing the complex and personal decision of either signing a variance form or following specific safe swallow precautions prescribed in a healthcare setting. All patients and families deserve to know 1) their risk of dysphagia; 2) strategies to reduce their risk of dysphagia; and 3) their rights […]
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