Principles of Dysphagia PG (10267.1)

This unit provides the theoretical knowledge underpinning assessment and management of swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Students will gain an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the normal swallow and the etiological factors associated with swallowing disorders. The unit prepares students to conduct clinical assessment and select appropriate evidence-based approaches to management.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe normal and disordered swallowing across the lifespan;
2. Understand the associated etiological factors related to swallowing disorders;
3. Select appropriate informal and formal assessments for infants, children and adults;
4. Analyse and interpret assessment results, and identify referral requirements;
5. Apply evidence-based practice and ICF principles in planning and developing treatment and management plans for individuals with swallowing disorders across the lifespan; and
6. Discuss long-term outcomes and set goals for intervention in conjunction with the client's desired outcomes, their cultural expectation, the interdisciplinary team and the client's health literacy.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways

Prerequisites

10272 Clinical Speech Pathology 2

Corequisites

11982 Aphasia and Cognitive Communication Disorders

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.