Archives

One Way Speaking Valve Considerations for Return to Swallowing

December 31, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout explains the benefits of wearing a one-way speaking valve while swallowing and a list of considerations if a person does not tolerate a valve but voices a desire to eat and drink by mouth. Prigent, H., Lejaille, M., Terzi, N., Annane, D., Figere, M., Orlikowski, D., & Lofaso, F. (2011). Effect of a […]
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Introduction to the Patient with Laryngectomy – What the SLP Should Know

July 5, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
This course covers information regarding post-laryngectomy anatomy and physiology including typical vs post-laryngectomy and tracheostomy vs laryngectomy. Gain an overview of techniques for voice restoration after a laryngectomy, including esophageal speech, electrolarynx, and tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis. Post-laryngectomy pulmonary rehabilitation and dysphagia will be reviewed.
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Basic Cheat Sheet for the use of Passy Muir Speaking Valve with Ventilation

January 31, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Working with the ventilation population can be initially daunting as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This material provides a basic review of types of ventilation and ventilator settings that are important to know and understand before initiating Passy Muir speaking valve (PMV) trials. Furthermore, a review of the benefits of PMV use and collaboration with a […]
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Clinical Complexities of Tracheostomy Care (Part 2)

January 23, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This course is designed to dive more deeply into speaking valve utilization, evidence-based research supporting application for swallowing/voice restoration, and troubleshooting difficult placements. In line vent placement and steps towards decannulation will also be reviewed. This companion course will expand base knowledge from Part 1.
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Clinical Complexities of Tracheostomy Care (Part 1 )

January 17, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Patients with tracheostomies are discharging into the community with increased frequency, challenging medical/rehab staff to provide highly skilled care for a fragile population. This course is designed to create a knowledge base for providers working with clients with tracheostomies and will provide a detailed review of decisions around initial placement of a trach, basics of […]
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Speech-Language Pathology Guidance for Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Multidisciplinary Perspective (2020)

January 13, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Patients with tracheostomy increase the exposure risks for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other frontline healthcare providers because of the direct contact with the mucosal surface, secretions, and aerosols. The reflexes of sneezing and coughing should be assumed grossly intact for awake patients, which increases the frequency of aerosolization during procedures. Many hospital procedures can cause […]
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How Speaking Valves Work

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is designed for speech-language pathologists working with patients and families with tracheostomies who want to understand how speaking valves work. The handout features basic anatomy of voice, as well as basic eligibility requirements and safety precautions.
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Considerations and Contraindications for Tracheostomy Weaning

December 23, 2021 by Megan Berg.
The decision to begin the tracheostomy weaning process is a complicated decision for the speech pathologist and the medical team. This handout provides a clinical judgement decision tree considerations, contraindications, and a guideline for the stages of the trach weaning process.
This content is only available to members.