Swallow Your Pride Podcast Theresa Richard

Why rely on tongue depressors when you can give your patients a portable workout device that comes with an app to track their tongue strength, endurance, and exercise results? 



That device exists! And it’s improved…



Elizabeth Daly and Ed Steger are back on the Swallow Your Pride Podcast with exciting updates on the Tongueometer - a handheld lingual manometer that measures tongue and lip strength and endurance. From Android and iOS compatibility to bluetooth connections to two new research studies using the Tongueometer, this is a dysphagia therapy device all med SLPs should be aware of.



Get the show notes with references here: https://syppodcast.com/297



Timestamps:



Updates on the Tongueometer device [00:01:18]

Recent publications on the Tongueometer [00:09:33]

Comparing Validity of Tongueometer and EOP [00:10:04]

Concurrent Validity Study by James Curtis [00:12:12]

Patient Populations Using Tongueometer [00:17:11]

The reimbursement codes for remote therapeutic monitoring [00:20:33]

Gamification of the app [00:21:21]

Insurance reimbursement process [00:26:32]

“It flipped the whole household upside down. None of our meal times are quote-unquote normal...it's totally dysfunctional chaos.”



☝️This is the real and raw experience of Diane Wolff, dysphagia cookbook author and caregiver for her mother with dementia and impaired swallowing. This experience led Diane to write Essential Puree - The A to Z Guidebook: 67 Delicious Recipes for the Dysphagia Diet & Soft Food Diet, a cookbook addressing this overlooked aspect of care, including tips on simplifying recipes, cleanup, and food storage for families dealing with time constraints or challenges. 



In this episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa and Diane discuss the caregiver’s journey and the need for more resources and solutions for loved ones living with dysphagia. From ditching food molds to piping puree onto colorful plates, Diane shares several of her recommendations to promote better dining experiences for everyone impacted by dementia and swallowing disorders.



If Med SLPs can agree on anything, it’s that food is more than sustenance. It’s a way to connect, share love, and find joy in life. This episode dives into all of that and more with vulnerability and forward-thinking.



Get the show notes: https://syppodcast.com/296



Timestamps:



The importance of nutrition for seniors with swallowing disorders [00:03:08]

Challenges of feeding a child with a feeding disorder [00:04:30]

Creating easy and nutritious pureed meals [00:05:25]

The importance of atmosphere and using pretty plates [00:10:07]

Using a xanthan gum thickener for food consistency [00:11:18]

Cooking the same recipe for the patient and the family [00:13:33]

The nutritional status of the speaker's mother [00:21:30]

Developing a line of pureed foods for hospitals and home healthcare [00:22:50]

Patient and caregiver education on pureed foods and tools for the kitchen [00:27:07]

Boosting the immune system during COVID [00:31:34]

Collaboration between speech pathologists and other professionals [00:32:17]

The caregiver's perspective [00:33:35]

Did you know there’s a team of clinicians who come together each day in New York City to conquer dysphagia?



In this episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa Richard interviews Dr. Anaïs Rameau, laryngologist and trailblazer of New York City’s first multidisciplinary dysphagia clinic!



Together they discuss the concept, logistics, and benefits of an integrated swallowing disorder center that calls together a powerhouse team of dysphagia-serving healthcare professionals. This type of comprehensive care should be more accessible, and it’s up to us to get the ball rolling.



So, sit back, hydrate, and enjoy this inspirational episode.



Get the show notes at https://syppodcast.com/295



The history of multidisciplinary dysphagia clinics [00:02:27]



The Japanese transdisciplinary approach [00:06:39]



Patient selection for multidisciplinary clinics [00:08:54]



The assessment and intervention process [00:11:22]



Logistics of the clinic and future considerations [00:12:36]



Collaboration and teamwork in the clinic [00:13:43]



The Dream Team of Multidisciplinary Specialists [00:21:44]



The Role of Laryngeal ENTs and Manometry [00:25:27]



Benefits and Challenges of Multidisciplinary Teams [00:28:55]

The word “cancer” is often cloaked in feelings of uncertainty and fear - understandably so. But what can a medical SLP do to help? What’s our role in the world of oncology?



In this podcast episode, host Theresa Richard interviews Heather George about her experience as an SLP working with oncology patients and the role of palliative care in dysphagia management. They discuss the challenges of navigating treatment for patients with complex medical conditions, the importance of taking a holistic approach to patient care, and the need to address patient concerns and fears. They also touch on the difficulties of managing differing opinions among healthcare providers.



If you serve this population or hope to one day, this episode is for you.



Get the show notes with references at syppodcast.com/294



[00:03:29] The role of palliative care in dysphagia management



[00:04:27] Understanding the differences between rehabilitation and palliative care



[00:06:53] Considering the medical status and prognosis in dysphagia management



[00:10:31] The multifactorial components of swallowing difficulties



[00:10:40] Highlighting the need to consider the patient's specific diagnosis and how it impacts their swallowing difficulties.



[00:13:09] Managing the dynamic between providers and dysphagia treatment



[00:20:32] Importance of reflecting on personal biases as clinicians and how it can influence communication with patients and physicians.



[00:21:37] The impact of presenting information in a fear-inducing manner and the importance of discussing risks and benefits in a balanced way.



[00:22:25] The speaker's personal experience of realizing the need to present both professional and personal perspectives when discussing treatment options with patients and their families.



[00:29:05] Understanding the Patient's Medical Condition



[00:30:06] Collaborating with the Medical Team



[00:32:16] Navigating Difficult Conversations



[00:38:20]Palliative Team Consultation



[00:39:42] Exploration of consulting the ethics department for added insight and evaluation in complex situations.



[00:40:43] Supporting Patients Transitioning to Hospice



[00:48:26] Being cognizant of language and writing in a more respectful and patient-centered way.

So a patient walks into a fluoroscopy suite, points to their throat, and says “I have trouble swallowing.”



You do the VFSS, and their oropharynx looks…okay! Maybe even within normal limits!



Now what?



*The esophagus has entered the chat*



In this podcast episode, Theresa Richard interviews Dr. Watts, a speech-language pathologist, researcher, and clinician scientist at the University of South Florida known for her work with esophageal dysphagia. 



Get the show notes: https://syppodcast.com/293



The passion for esophageal dysphagia [00:02:19]

The development of the REST protocol [00:03:30]

Future research and expansion of the REST protocol [00:06:06]

The nature of modified barium swallow [00:10:17]

Screening protocol and next steps [00:11:23]

Importance of multidisciplinary team [00:13:58]

The implementation of esophageal dysphagia education [00:19:58]

The prevalence of esophageal dysphagia and the need for further investigation [00:20:59]

The importance of counseling and referrals in dysphagia management [00:23:06]

The Art and Science of Fluoroscopy [00:29:04]

Standardized Protocol for Reporting Results [00:30:18]

Describing Aberrant Movement and Reporting Failed Screening [00:31:19]

Exploring diet consistencies (including the great bread debate)...



Identifying barriers of modified barium swallow studies (and what to do about them)...



Encountering tough pills to swallow (literally)…



☝️ These are just three of the topics Theresa Richard and Gavin Levy discuss in the most recent episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast!



Together, Theresa and Gavin look at evidence-based practices for medical SLPs while sharing their personal experiences on the job. Through this discussion, key takeaways focus on involving SLPs in dietary conversations, clinical documentation verbiage that reflects dietary needs when designing menus, and collaborating with caregivers, dieticians, and other medical professionals to further gain knowledge and improve patient outcomes.



Timestamps:



Implementations of Soft and Bite Size Diets: The Role of SLPs (05:44 - 10:58)

Where Does Bread Fit in Alterations Diets? (10:59 - 16:15)

Exploring the Benefits of Modified Diets for Patients on Altered Diets (16:15 - 21:25)

Risks and Benefits of Video Fluoroscopy for Swallowing Studies (21:25 - 26:29)

Advocating for Better Communication in Swallow Studies: Involving a Multidisciplinary Team (26:29 - 31:22)

Team-Based Recommendations for Patient Care (31:23 - 36:06)

The Role of Environment in Swallowing and Testing Outcomes (36:06 - 40:53)

A Conversation on Safety,Staff Shortages, and Modifying Diets for Skilled Nursing Facilities (40:54 - 45:42)

The Role of Speech Therapists in Medication Administration and Swallowing Studies (45:42 - 50:39)

The Impact of Aspiration on Decision Making (50:40 - 55:35)

Embracing Change and Connecting Research in Speech Therapy (55:35 - 01:00:34)

Exploring Physical Therapy, Coordination of Respiration and Swallowing, and Dementia (01:00:34 - 01:03:22)