Promoting safer swallowing
A free, interactive course for health and care professionals to improve the safety of eating, drinking and swallowing in Parkinson's.
Who is the course for?
Health and care professionals.
About the course
This self-directed course will develop your knowledge and understanding of swallowing-related issues for people living with Parkinson’s.
You will learn about the different stages in the swallowing process, what happens physically in the body, and how Parkinson’s can affect this. You will begin to recognise the symptoms of dysphagia and identify other "red flags" that could indicate a person is having difficulty swallowing. The course also explores the steps you can take to promote safer swallowing and the essential role that Speech and Language Therapists play in providing person-centred advice for people living with Parkinson’s.
Working at your own pace, you will have opportunities to reflect on your current practice and explore practical approaches to enhance your support for people living with Parkinson’s.
What will you learn?
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- outline the stages and mechanics of the swallowing process.
- recognise swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in a person living with Parkinson’s.
- identify practical techniques and approaches to facilitate safer swallowing.
- explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists in supporting individuals with swallowing issues.
Returning learners can access this course by logging in to their Knowing Parkinson's account.
New learners can access this course by creating a new Knowing Parkinson's account.
Acknowledgements
Our thanks go to Jennie Sutcliffe, Speech and Language Therapist, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Ailish Fountain, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Stephanie Willis, Speech and Language Therapist, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust; and Jemma Jackson, Dysphagia Specialist Dietitian, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, for their support with developing and reviewing the course content.