Meta-analyses are powerful tools, but they can be challenging to interpret. In this episode, we explore how dysphagia clinicians can better understand and critically evaluate meta-analyses to support evidence-informed practice. We are joined by Prof. Kendrea Garand to talk about the article “How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech and Language Therapy: A Tutorial for Clinicians.”

We discuss:

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Raele Loy, a Speech and Language Therapist and research scientist at the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We discuss a critical but often overlooked aspect of dysphagia care: health equity, or the lack thereof. Raele discusses what sparked her interest in health equity, and explains what ‘health disparities’ mean in clinical practice and research today. She discusses what is currently known about disparities in dysphagia assessment and management, and presents her conceptual framework which illustrates how disparities emerge and persist throughout the entire eating and swallowing care pathway in people with dementia.

Behind the tremor in Parkinson’s disease lies a complex neurodegenerative process that affects far more than movement. In this conversation, we are joined by Prof. emer. Werner Poewe, neurologist and one of the world’s leading experts in Parkinson’s disease. He unpacks the evolving understanding of Parkinson’s disease, from James Parkinson’s first observations to today’s insights into pathology, prodromal symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. With a special focus on swallowing and dysphagia, we explore what clinicians need to know to support individuals with Parkinson’s disease across all stages of the disease.

Button batteries may be small, but their impact can be devastating. In this episode, we speak with Prof. Kris Jatana about the serious and often hidden dangers of button battery ingestion in children. Found in everyday household items, these small batteries can cause severe injuries to the esophagus and surrounding structures within hours of ingestion.

Kris explains what button batteries are, how they cause injury when swallowed, and why quick recognition and management are critical. We discuss the challenges in diagnosing unwitnessed ingestions, the steps parents and caregivers should take in an emergency, and current strategies for acute and long-term management.

Helpful resources:

​​What is it like to live with dysphagia due to ineffective esophageal motility (IEM)? In this episode, Adrienne shares her personal journey: from first noticing symptoms, through the path to diagnosis, and how the condition has evolved over time.

We explore the deep impact of IEM on eating, drinking, social life, and quality of life. Adrienne talks about what it is like to have an invisible disease, the struggles of explaining the condition to family and friends, the treatments and strategies she has tried, what has helped, and what remains challenging.

To close, she offers thoughtful advice for others newly diagnosed with IEM, as well as important insights for healthcare professionals supporting people with this condition.

Literature that we talk about:

Prof. Taher Omari, Physiologist, Principal Research Fellow and lead of the Swallowing Research Group at Flinders University in Adelaide (Australia) joins us to share insights on the new Leuven Consensus. This research project sets out recommendations for pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) disorders using high-resolution manometry with impedance (P-HRM-I).

Taher explains:

Literature that we talk about:

In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Kathryn Steadman, who gave an excellent presentation at last year’s European Society for Swallowing Disorders conference in Münster, Germany. Her talk explored the question: Does swallowing tablets with an IDDSI Level 4 gel impact drug absorption?

Because this topic isn’t discussed much – and Kathryn brings a lot of expertise as a pharmacist – we’re happy to have her with us to talk about safe and effective medication intake for people with dysphagia.

Topics we discuss:

Links & Literature:

There are many rare diseases, where dysphagia can manifest. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Bendix Labeit, neurology physician and clinical scientist at University Hospital Düsseldorf in Germany to talk about dysphagia in one of these rare diseases: myositis.

Together, we discuss:

Literature that we discuss:

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Shaun Treweek about why so much health research still falls short. Shaun argues that big parts of health research is “bad” and does not bring the value to the evidence-base we need. As a leading expert in trials methodology he explains how we can change that and how we can conduct “good” research for our patients.

Other topics we cover

Literature we discuss

Curious about one of the gold standards in swallowing assessment? Join us for an insightful discussion about Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) with our guest Prof. Heather Starmer. This episode offers valuable perspectives for both those new to FEES and those looking to enhance their current practice, as Heather shares practical knowledge gained from years in the field.

We explore the sometimes overlooked aspects of FEES preparation, consider how FEES and videofluoroscopy can complement each other rather than compete, and discuss common challenges in interpretation that many clinicians face. Heather also reflects on emerging developments that might shape dysphagia assessment in the coming years. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with FEES or use it regularly in your practice, we hope this conversation provides some helpful insights for your work with people with dysphagia.

Literature that we discuss in this episode