Speech Scope Episode 28: Dysphagia Mythbusting: How Do We Facilitate QoL With Compromise?

Speech Scope Episode 28: Dysphagia Mythbusting: How Do We Facilitate QoL With Compromise?

Dr. Amber Heape, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, CDP [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/amber-heape], joins host Sarah Baar [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/sarah-baar-speech-language-pathology]to unpack some of the most common and controversial myths surrounding dysphagia management in residential care. Drawing from over two decades of clinical leadership and teaching experience, Amber and Sarah challenge long-held assumptions about compliance, patient choice, and what truly supports quality of life. Together, they explore how clinicians can shift from fear-based decision-making to evidence-informed, person-centered care. Tune in as we navigate the gray areas of dysphagia practice and explore what it really means to compromise for the sake of dignity and autonomy. Learning Outcomes * Analyze the evidence around dysphagia management practices in residential care settings, with a focus on ethical considerations and person-centered care * Determine the situations in which individualized care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration provide the most benefit for balancing aspiration risk and quality of life * Solve patient case scenarios involving dysphagia management by applying current evidence, patient autonomy, and ethical communication strategies in team-based care Timestamps * (00:00:00) Welcome * (00:00:05) Introduction and the ethics of dysphagia * (00:01:18) Guest introduction: Dr. Amber Heape * (00:03:40) The evolution of evidence-based practice * (00:05:19) Myth: waivers and the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual * (00:09:32) Myth: patient choice and decision-making capacity * (00:14:23) Strategies for quality of life compromises * (00:17:42) Myth: clinical judgment vs. the patient's lived experience * (00:24:00) Myth: discharge due to “noncompliance“ * (00:29:18) Myth: abortion risk and altered consistencies * (00:32:24) Myth: cultural perspectives on food and caring * (00:34:57) Impact on assessment time and planning * (00:36:45) Shifting facility culture through communication * (00:41:48) Top three actionable takeaways * (00:44:05) Experiential learning and clinical empathy * (00:48:08) Final words of wisdom Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope] If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/ [https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/pricing/]

Speech Scope Episode 27: My Client Doesn’t Want to Do Therapy: Where Do I Begin? (Live Podcast Recording)

This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses. Have you ever walked into a session only to realize your client doesn’t want to be there? Host Sarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/sarah-baar-speech-language-pathology], sits down with colleague Treasyri Williams Wood, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/treasyri-williams-wood], CDP, to discuss why we should lean into—rather than pull away from—client resistance in speech therapy. They dive into the “clinical artistry” of developing discrepancy and rolling with discord, specifically for those living with Parkinson’s, aphasia, and dementia. This episode offers you actionable counseling-informed strategies to ensure your patients feel heard, valued, and motivated to fight for their own voices. Learning Outcomes * Analyze the evidence on the use of motivational interviewing (MI) as a behavior change framework for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions * Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address ambivalence and engagement barriers by adapting core MI techniques for cognitive-communication challenges * Solve patient case scenarios involving varying levels of therapy readiness to collaboratively establish meaningful goals and sustain engagement Timestamps * (00:00:00) Welcome * (00:00:05) Introduction and the reality of client resistance * (00:00:36) Welcome to Speech Scope and guest introduction * (00:02:20) Dr. Williams Wood's background and professional roles * (00:05:02) Why we must discuss motivation in neurogenic care * (00:11:00) Case study: Mr. James and the power of self-reflection * (00:17:50) Defining motivational interviewing (MI) and key principles * (00:23:35) Developing discrepancy and rolling with resistance * (00:28:40) Supporting self-efficacy and building clinical wins * (00:31:26) Audience Q&A: refusals, research, and dementia care * (00:42:59) The DARN roadmap: eliciting change talk * (00:47:00) Applying DARN to clinical goals and identity * (00:53:38) OARS: communication tools for the therapeutic session * (00:59:20) Actionable takeaways and double-sided reflections * (01:04:00) Addressing grief and apathy in the clinical setting * (01:09:49) Final wisdom and closing remarks Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope] If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/ [https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/pricing/]

Speech Scope Episode 26: Facial Nerve Paralysis: How Can Therapists and Surgeons Collaborate?

Dr. Nina Lu, MD [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/nina-lu], facial plastic surgeon and director of the Facial Nerve Center at the University of Washington (UW), and Emily Wilson, MS, CCC-SLP [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/emily-wilson], a facial therapist and lecturer at UW, join host Sarah Baar [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/sarah-baar-speech-language-pathology] for an eye-opening look at interdisciplinary care for facial nerve paralysis. Sarah dives into this underexplored topic with curiosity, asking how therapists and surgeons can truly partner in meaningful ways. Together, they unpack what collaboration looks like in practice, explore evidence-based approaches to facial retraining, and reflect on the power of aligning goals with patient priorities. If you’ve ever wondered where facial therapy fits into your scope—or how to build bridges across disciplines—this conversation is for you. Learning Outcomes * Analyze the evidence around individualized treatment planning for facial paralysis resulting from peripheral nerve injury * Determine the situations in which interdisciplinary collaboration enhances patient outcomes in facial nerve rehabilitation * Solve patient case scenarios involving peripheral facial nerve paralysis by applying collaborative treatment planning between therapists and surgeons Timestamps * (00:00:00) Welcome * (00:00:05) Introduction to facial nerve injury and therapy * (00:04:54) Understanding facial paralysis: causes and patient diversity * (00:08:11) The role of multidisciplinary clinics in treatment * (00:12:47) Collaboration between otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists * (00:17:45) Patient goals and outcomes in facial therapy * (00:23:20) Assessment and measurement in facial therapy * (00:28:15) Billing and therapy codes: navigating the system * (00:29:41) Collaboration between therapists and physicians * (00:33:29) Understanding synkinesis: a complex recovery * (00:35:36) Therapeutic techniques: soft-tissue mobilization * (00:41:02) Patient engagement: the key to successful therapy * (00:45:30) The multidisciplinary approach to facial reanimation * (00:47:46) Networking for facial therapy: building connections * (00:52:40) Actionable takeaways for clinicians * (00:56:21) Final thoughts: the future of facial therapy Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope] If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/ [https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/pricing/]

Speech Scope Episode 25: Future-Ready SLPs: How Can Clinicians Embrace AI and Digital Innovation?

Rinki Varindani Desai, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/rinki-varindani-desai-speech-language-pathologist]—a multilingual medical SLP, board-certified swallowing specialist, and digital health entrepreneur—joins host Sarah Baar [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/sarah-baar-speech-language-pathology] for a timely conversation on the evolving role of technology in clinical care. Together, they explore how AI, digital therapeutics, and remote monitoring are already shaping speech-language pathology and how you can take part in the change. You’ll hear why SLPs are not only essential users of these tools but also powerful collaborators in their creation. Tune in to feel empowered, informed, and ready to take your next courageous step into the future of the profession. Learning Outcomes * Analyze the evidence around applications in digital health innovation that impact clinical practice * Apply evidence-based, practical strategies for integrating emerging technologies into clinical workflows * Solve patient case scenarios involving digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) in speech-language pathology * Identify opportunities for SLPs to collaborate and shape the development of digital health solutions Timestamps * (00:00:00) Welcome * (00:00:05) Introduction to digital health in speech therapy * (00:02:15) Rinki Desai’s journey and insights * (00:05:44) The importance of digital health therapeutics * (00:07:30) Understanding digital health technologies * (00:11:26) The role of AI in speech therapy * (00:16:37) Current technologies in speech therapy * (00:17:59) Future innovations in digital health * (00:21:28) The impact of telehealth and remote monitoring * (00:24:43) Navigating the digital transformation * (00:32:28) Research and evidence in digital health * (00:38:09) Actionable takeaways for clinicians * (00:41:00) Case scenarios and real-world applications * (00:46:12) Final thoughts and future directions Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope] If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/ [https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/pricing/]

Speech Scope Episode 24: Surviving the ICU: How Can Communication Reduce PICS?

Vanessa Abraham, MS, CCC-SLP [https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/vanessa-abraham], author and ICU survivor, joins host Sarah Baar for a powerful conversation that bridges clinical practice with lived experience. Together, they explore how communication access in the ICU can shape recovery and why trauma-informed care is essential across all rehab disciplines. Vanessa shares her personal journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), offering practical strategies and poignant insights for clinicians like you. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how communication can reduce trauma, and why it just might be the most important intervention you provide. Learning Objectives * Analyze the evidence around trauma-informed communication practices to reduce the mental and emotional impacts of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in critically ill individuals and their families * Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address communication barriers in individuals in the ICU setting, including the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools to enhance communication access and informed decision-making * Solve patient case scenarios involving individuals at risk for PICS by identifying unmet communication needs, selecting appropriate interventions, and constructing care plans that align with trauma-informed and ethical clinical practice Timestamps * (00:00:00) Welcome * (00:00:05) Introduction to executive functions and neurodiversity * (00:02:23) The executive function express program * (00:06:54) Understanding interoception and executive function * (00:12:16) The train model: visualizing executive function * (00:16:32) Recent research on executive functions * (00:20:31) Practical applications for therapists * (00:30:23) Supporting children with varying needs * (00:52:53) Parting thoughts and actionable steps Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope] If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/ [https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/pricing/]