PLMDS-Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PLMCI2 Communication Impairment 2
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: c.a.fairfield@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Aims:

To develop further knowledge of the evidence base for the normal swallow process, breakdown of swallowing and management of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders across populations. To enable the student to identify and critically evaluate the current evidence base with reference to individualised case management of clients.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module, students will be able to: • Identify, discuss and critically evaluate the current research literature on normal and disordered swallowing • Evaluate the appropriateness of instrumental and non instrumental assessment in the swallowing evaluation and differential diagnosis of swallowing disorders • Identify and critique management techniques used within current dysphagia practice  and for individuals• Consider the implications of swallowing di sorders on the individual’s body functions, activity and participation in line with the WHO model • Organise their ideas and articulate arguments with explicit reference to clinical relevance

Additional outcomes:
Students will understand the necessity to work within a multidisciplinary framework. They will develop their practical skills of observing and analysing normal and disordered swallowing and relating these to their knowledge of anatomy and neurology. They will consider the implications of dysphagia within the current NHS and Education settings.

Outline content:

The module develops students’ theoretical understanding of the anatomy, physiology and neurology of the normal swallow by considering current research and critically evaluating the knowledge base of this relatively new field. Assessment of the normal and disordered swallow by instrumental and bedside assessment will be addressed and considered with reference to specific client groups. The options for holistic case management based on assessment findings and current literature will be ex plored and considered within a multidisciplinary framework. Issues arising with swallowing disorders in specialised areas will be considered.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be lectures evaluating the current evidence base via discussion of current research papers with reference to the normal swallow and case based management. Students will be expected to read identified papers before each session to ensure they contribute to the discussions and problem solving tasks.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The exam questions are by prior disclosure.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
By retaking the exam in the University re-examinatin period in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 June 2020