Archives

The Respiratory Defense System

September 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout explains how the lungs have a natural protection system to remove unwanted particles from the nasal cavity and lungs.
This content is only available to members.

Cough…Is it Strong Enough?

May 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource explains the physiological process of a cough, how to measure cough strength, and why an adequate peak expiratory flow rate is important.
This content is only available to members.

Determining the Risk of Aspiration

December 1, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
For healthy people, the protective system within the lungs can stay healthy even with trace amounts of aspiration. For people with dysphagia, there are many factors to consider when determining their risk for aspiration. This resource explores these factors.
This content is only available to members.

Yale Swallow Protocol

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The Yale Swallow Protocol (YSP) is a screening tool for swallowing. The person being screened either passes or fails, identifying individuals who would benefit from a more thorough evaluation of all aspects of swallowing function. This resource provides evidence regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the YSP and provides steps for completion and determination of pass/fail for appropriate recommendations to be made.
This content is only available to members.

Tabletop Dysphagia Cue Cards

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
These handy dysphagia cue cards are designed to be discretely placed at dining tables to remind patients of dysphagia precautions. The cue cards feature a graphic of swallow anatomy/physiology and have blank spaces for SLPs to include specific personalized swallow strategies.
This content is only available to members.

Oral Care Staff Cue Cards

January 1, 2022 by Megan Berg.
These four cue cards are designed to remind staff to follow aspiration precautions. Card #1: Complete oral care before serving a meal. #2: Complete oral care after meals. #3: Put dentures in before a meal. #4: Assist with oral care before bed.
This content is only available to members.

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 quality, consistent oral care may be a strong avenue to prevent aspiration pneumonia, even in the presence of aspiration risk.
This content is only available to members.

Hydration

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This resource describes the importance of adequate hydration, the prevalence, and symptoms of dehydration, and tips on how to improve it.
This content is only available to members.

Oral Care and Aspiration Pneumonia

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Handout to provide to staff, patients, and family to help communicate the importance of oral care to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
This content is only available to members.