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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare for support of treatment and monitoring programs to promote safe swallowing and eating
   • Obtain information about requirements from the speech pathologist
   • Determine need for interpreter where required
   • Confer with speech pathologist about any ambiguities or requirements outside scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation
3. Deliver therapeutic program under supervision of speech pathologist
   • Obtain 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 the speech pathologist and in accordance with the food safety program of the organisation
   • 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 health 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 assessment of swallowing, performed by speech pathologist
   • Carry out supplementary treatment programs as instructed by the speech pathologist
   • Identify adverse reactions/events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management framework
4. 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 and/or events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management framework
5. Comply with supervisory requirements
   • Refer to speech pathologist when additional input from health professional is required
   • Seek assistance when client presents with needs or signs outside limits of own authority, skills and/or knowledge
   • Report client difficulties to the supervising allied health professional for advice before continuing the program
   • Participate in supervision processes with the treating allied health professional in accordance with organisational protocol
6. 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
7. 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 and/or events associated with dysphagia and respond according to the detailed risk management framework