[Dysphagia] Qualifications

[jfurstoss at acmedctr.org (Furstoss, Jeanne ACMC)]

Kim wrote:  any OT's out there on the listserv care to comment?

As an Occupational Therapist providing Swallowing Services, since my degree,
I have attended extensive continuing education and clinical practice
settings in Swallowing.

My comment is that a competent practicioner with quality patient care
foremost in their mind,  must attain additional coursework and supervised
clinical experience beyond existing Speech, OT, Dietitian and other degree
programs, before any of these professionals are competant at entry level.  I
am aware that all of these disciplines, at least Speech, OT, Dietitian, have
increased offerings of coursework and emphasis on Swallowing in their core
education programs.  This is good. Given the complexities of Swallowing, the
level of dependency that Physicians place on our recommendations, and the
delicate nature and risk factors of our patients, my respectful position is
that these school curriculums are not enough.

My conclusion is based in clinical observations I have made of Swallowing
Evaluation and Management over the last 20 years by all the described
professions.

Options if the primary intention is quality patient care?
-PhD in Swallowing Service?  ....a good idea 
-mandatory swallowing credential before entry practice in the swallowing
services?  ... required in the least.

Jeanne Furstoss  MS OTR/L SWC





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