QUESTION: I am considering the Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies course. I am not in the hospital setting but I go with my patients almost always to their studies. I’m thinking this is going to be super beneficial for me with advocating for patients. Often times no compensatory strategies are used, I’m told they can’t use cold or carbonated liquids, etc. When in previous settings I have known these things not to be the case. Thoughts? Am I thinking correctly that this would be helpful for a private practice SLP as well?
CATHERINE’S ANSWER: It is wonderful that you can attend the VFSS to be part of the problem-solving. Yes, the course will absolutely be valuable to you. I designed it to fill that void that is out there, as well as to support well-thought-out studies that look far beyond “aspiration” and “thickening” It is not the radiographic image alone that contributes to an impression and plan of care. The course is designed to provide the latest evidence-base regarding evolution of/progressive changes (with age) in both structural relationships and physiology from birth through the age of about 6 (based on the data and research we have), when the swallow becomes adult-like in all respects for the typically developing child. This information helps to understand where to specifically map interventions. The focus of the course is not on looking for or finding “aspiration” but on objectifying swallowing physiology (or pathophysiology), considering how that physiology may impact airway protection and relative risk for airway invasion, and then critically considering, in the setting of that child’s unique history and co-morbidities, how to optimize safety —and objectifying potential interventions there in radiology, finally providing the thoughtful impressions that round out the picture of mealtime impact for the team. These underpinnings for critical thinking are key for any treating therapist, even if that therapist does not conduct swallow studies. Making sense of the dataset, if useful data is gathered, is not the sole domain, nor the sole responsibility of the therapist doing the study. Understanding physiology and its connection to function and intervention is essential for treating therapists too—That knowledge base makes us more effective problem-solvers and critical thinkers every step of the way. So much underpins what we do as swallowing/feeding specialists. Physiology, and the impact of pathophysiology, is at its heart.
Some feedback from previous attendees to my Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies seminar:
Even for someone like me who doesn’t do VFSS, I learned so much about the biomechanics of the pediatric swallow that now can inform my treatment. Leana, SLP
Catherine’s Swallow Studies course was the most detailed education I have had related to the dynamic interaction of the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases and how they play on one another. Her breadth of well-rounded knowledge and ability to easily relate it to practice is wonderful. She is so approachable which makes it a comfortable environment. Lisa, OTR
The information presented by Catherine in the VFSS course was so well researched. I feel confident that I can add all of this info to my clinical knowledge, and I know where to find more info (via the many citations)! Kari, SLP
As an outside provider (not in a hospital doing VFSS), this was great info on how I can communicate what I’m looking for and why I’m recommending a VFSS. The time watching videos of swallow studies helped my brain process the reports I read when I can’t be at the actual study in person. Minnie, SLP
Catherine had a great way of effectively presenting information through multiple modalities. The x-ray stills, videos of so many different etiologies and the case studies in radiology have tremendously increased my confidence with pediatric MBSS. Heather, SLP
This course gave a great perspective on how to effectively determine and describe a disruption in swallow physiology for parents, physicians and other professionals. I loved the video examples! Rachel, SLP
The swallow studies course is an excellent synthesis of the dynamic aspects of pediatric swallowing and an exquisite way to transition to VFSS. Monique, SLP
What a great course on pediatric swallow studies. Now I know to think physiology, not just aspiration and penetration!! Yeah! Samantha, SLP
I am surprised and enlightened by how much I have learned considering I have been doing pediatric VFSS’s for 15 years! Natasha, SLP
I am just starting my VFSS training, and this course will help tremendously! A wonderful opportunity to consider differentials for many different clinical presentations. Jennifer, SLP