Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for support of treatment and monitoring programs to promote safe swallowing and eating
- Deliver therapeutic program under supervision of speech pathologist
- Obtain informed consent from the individual client, or a third party where the individual is not in a position to provide this consent independently, before commencing the program
- Confirm client/carer's understanding of requirements of the therapeutic program
- Provide mealtime assistance to client, under instruction of speech pathologist, including the reinforcement of positioning and strategies to support safe swallowing and maximum level of independence of eating and drinking
- Prepare texture modified foods and fluids, as determined by speech pathologist, for assessment purposes and for mealtimes for purposes of checking correctness of modified foods and fluids
- Provide the client with relevant information and advice, as instructed by the speech pathologist, at a level and pace appropriate to the client's level of understanding, culture and background, preferred way of communication and need
- Refer questions outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation to speech pathologist and/or relevant member of care team
- Provide client with sufficient time, opportunity and encouragement to practise existing and newly developed skills
- Provide set up and support of the client during videofloroscopy assessment of swallowing, performed by speech pathologist
- Carry out supplementary treatment programs (e.g. oro-motor exercises), as instructed by the speech pathologist
- Identify adverse reactions/events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management framework
- Monitor client's management of dysphagia in consultation with speech pathologist and care team
- Work with the speech pathologist, care team and the individual to identify and record areas of positive progress and success and specific difficulties arising
- Reinforce constructive feedback and advice provided by the care team about the client's approach and ability to manage their dysphagia
- Support and encourage client to maintain and enhance their efforts to manage dysphagia
- Reinforce the benefits of continuing to practice and develop skills and knowledge for dysphagia management
- Identify adverse reactions/events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management framework
- Refer to speech pathologist when additional input from health professional is required
- Document client information
- Use accepted protocols to document information relating to the treatment program in line with organisation requirements
- Provide accurate and prompt feedback to the speech pathologist and client's care team to support future planning
- Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems related to the therapeutic exercise program