Dr. Vose touches on the importance of nuance while reflecting on her 2018 paper, "A Survey of Clinician Decision Making When Identifying Swallowing Impairments and Determining Treatment," and why understanding the methodology in research is a key element of evidence based practice. This episode also discusses translating science outside of speech-language pathology into our practice, the need for more treatment research, and our motivation to keep growing as a profession. 

"By acknowledging the gap, it promotes promise for the future." - Alicia K. Vose, PhD, CCC-SLP
 
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7242916/ Support the Show. 
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Gaps: Where Are They... Really? Progression in Perspective and the Importance of Nuance.

A pivotal podcast on a mission to improve medical intervention for patients with swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Primarily intended for medical speech-language pathologists (SLP) and also relevant for professionals and students involved in pulmonology, otolaryngology, gerontology, nutrition, rehabilitation sciences, and various other areas of healthcare. Join us as a force for change by inspiring critical thinking, facilitating discussion, and stimulating professional development for those involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients with aerodigestive disorders.

https://www.swallowthegap.com (Gap Education, LLC)

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Life Sciences

This episode continues the discussion from the April 20th, 2024 webinar "Dysphagia in Patients with Pulmonary Compromise: ICU and Beyond." It is a special release that falls between Season 1 and Season 2, covering topics related to dysphagia practice in patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is also relevant to long-term acute care units (LTAC) and other settings.

This episode expresses opinions of the guests and hosts. It should not be taken to represent our employers or as health or legal advice.

Guests:
Martin Brodsky, PhD, ScM, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow
Jo Puntil, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow
Kendrea Layne (Focht) Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CBIS, CCRE
George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S Resources: 
Confounding Case Series, Beginning June 27, 2024: https://www.swallowthegap.com/livecourses
 or
https://events.zoom.us/eo/AldPDrAEr9j1jAVZ1uZ1Il3vgIoWBj1EeacLXXZ4lhJvT3D76Gli~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg Support the Show. 
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ICU Discussion Panel - Continuing Conversation from 'Dysphagia in Patients with Pulmonary Compromise (ICU & Beyond)

In a startling sample of patients, 67% of those with a modified diet and 61% of those with feeding tubes who were then assessed with FEES did not appear to even have dysphagia (Bice et al., 2024)! 

Soon to be Dr. Matthew Ward (

Season Finale: Moving Beyond Our Reflection

How can you prevent ~40 pneumonia cases and save $1.5 million in 1 year? Listen to find out! Join us today with three doctorate-level healthcare providers and an advanced practice nurse as we unravel startling data on the effect of oral hygiene on hospital-acquired pneumonia. Our expert guests will dive into how something as simple as improved oral hygiene can not only enhance patient outcomes (by ~37%!!) but also potentially save healthcare facilities millions of dollars. This episode contains actionable insights and practical information aimed at advancing oral hygiene practices in healthcare institutions. Prepare to be surprised by the powerful effect of basic oral care in this eye-opening discussion.

This episode is graciously sponsored by Bracco Diagnostics, maker of VARIBAR® (barium sulfate) - Check them out at VaribarMBS.com Dr. Barbara Quinn is a board-certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Fellow of NACNS (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists).  She has 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. After 18 years at the bedside, Barbara earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing and then her Doctor of Nursing Science in 2021.
Barbara recently retired from her role as the Director of Professional Practice and Nursing Excellence for the Sutter Health System of hospitals with a focus on elevating the profession of nursing, improving outcomes, and mentoring nurses.  Barb continues to educate and consult, emphasizing nurse-sensitive outcomes such as the prevention of Non-Ventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (NV-HAP).  
She is a member of several professional organizations, is a frequent presenter at national professional conferences, and has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications. 
When she is not in the home office, Barb enjoys being outdoors on their 5-acre property in the Sierra foothills of California.

Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN is a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and Consultant.  She has published & lectured nationally and internationally on a variety of pulmonary, critical care, prevention of health care acquired injuries including pressure injury and CAUTI/CLABSI’s and other HAI’s, work culture and sepsis recognition & management. 
•College of Critical Care Medicine (2004)
•American Academy of Nurses (2009),
•Current President: World Federation of Critical Care Nurses (2023-2025)

Dr. Erin McCarthy is the owner and Executive Director of Rochester Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Rochester, New York – a private practice dedicated to the assessment and treatment of individuals with feeding & swallowing disorders from Birth through age 64. She is also the Director of Clinical Education for the new graduate level Speech-Language Pathology program at D’Youville University. Dr. McCarthy is affiliated with the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing disorders.  She is a consultant and an expert-matter speaker for Stryker Medical Company and has presented at the regional, state and national level.  She has been in clinical practice for 26 years and has extensive experience in the acute care setting, with leadership & supervision, implementation science research, inter-professional practice, and academia. Her clinical focus areas are in adult neurogenic acquired swallowing disorders, post-extubation  Support the Show. 
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Breath of Fresh Air: Uncovering the Impact of Oral Hygiene on Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

This episode is a must-listen for those who dream big about inspiring positive change and for clinicians who may need a boost in their motivation. Sam Walker, an SLP and business owner, shares transformative lessons from her mother's 72-day hospitalization battling sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the rigors of invasive airway support. With her unique blend of personal experience and professional acumen, Sam elevates a perspective on patient care and education that intertwines our individuality, professionalism, and shared humanity. This episode also features Jo Puntil, an esteemed ASHA Fellow and ICU trailblazer with over 35 years of acute care expertise, adding depth to this inspiring dialogue.

This episode is graciously sponsored by Bracco Diagnostics, maker of VARIBAR® (barium sulfate) - varibarmbs.com

Bios
Sam Walker, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, the spirited and passionate owner of Speaking of Samantics and the SLP Test Prep, is a shining example of how creativity can pave the way to success. When the pandemic left her unable to work, she tapped into her artistic side and transformed her situation with just a few brilliant sticker designs. Today, Speaking of Samantics boasts an incredible collection of over 400 unique designs that have expanded far beyond stickers! Beyond her inventive flair, Sam has embraced her role as a fervent advocate for graduate students in the field of speech pathology. Recognizing the challenges of graduate school, she is determined to reshape the narrative, striving to create a more accepting and supportive environment for all those navigating this demanding journey. In line with this mission, Sam launched The SLP Test Prep, your go-to platform for an engaging and effective study experience designed specifically for SLP graduate students. Whether you're preparing for critical exams or seeking to reinforce your learning, the interactive approach makes studying both enjoyable and comprehensive. Join Sam every Tuesday for live Kahoot! sessions via Zoom for real-time learning, and don't worry if you miss a session. With over 95 recorded games and more than 100 interactive worksheets available, you can study at your own pace, ensuring you're always on top of your game. At The SLP Test Prep, Sam is committed to helping you succeed in your SLP graduate studies by turning study time into an interactive, knowledge-building adventure. 
https://slptestprep.com/  Jo Puntil, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA-F is the Past ASHA Chair of the CCFC which oversees the implementation of certification and standards of care in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  She has specialized in managing communication/cognitive and swallowing disorders for over 35 years in critical and acute care. Jo has extensive experience in developing interdisciplinary rehab programs, has lectured extensively, and has numerous publications.

Oh yeah! The early bird rate for Jo's ICU webinar event with Dr. Martin Brodsky, Dr. Kendrea (Focht) Garand, and George Barnes ends at 11:59 PM March 31st! Sign up now and save $21.   www.swallowthegap.com/livecourses

 Support the Show. 
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Beyond the Bedside: Humanizing Healthcare in the ICU

In this episode, we discuss diagnosing and managing dysphagia in patients with dementia. Dr. Jeannette Benigas and Rinki Varindani Desai integrate various sources with their own professional experience to help better equip SLPs to partner with our  patients.

Episode Resources:
Free webinar of NFOSD: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/webinar-recording-dysphagia-dementia/

NFOSD blog post for caregivers: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregivers-guide-dysphagia-dementia/

ECAT
https://www.healthpropress.com/product/environment-communication-assessment-toolkit-ecat-for-dementia-care-with-meters

Medbridge Link for the following courses: https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/benigas
code to save: BENIGAS

Biography
Dr. Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD owns Safe Swallowing Diagnostics, a mobile FEES company serving Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Her extensive clinical experience has included work with adults in the acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings. Dr. Benigas's research interests include improving the quality of life for people with dementia, specifically those who have difficulties eating and swallowing. Her research has incorporated the use of spaced retrieval to teach swallowing strategies so individuals with dementia can avoid unwanted dietary modifications. She has traveled nationally to consult and speak with other professionals in the medical field who work with people with memory loss or dysphagia. Dr. Benigas received a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in speech and hearing science with an interdisciplinary specialization in aging from The Ohio State University. She has taught at several universities across Ohio, Indiana, and New York. She co-authored Spaced Retrieval Step by Step: An Evidence-Based Memory Intervention and is the co-host of the podcasts Fix SLP and Other SLPs' Pockets. Dr. Benigas can be found on social media on Instagram (@Fix.SLP or @MedSLPadvocate) or Facebook (@FixSLP and @MedSLPadvocate).

Rinki Varindani Desai, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a medical speech-language pathologist and board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders. She is the founder of the Medical SLP Forum community, co-creator of the Dysphagia Therapy mobile app, and co-founder of the Swallowing Training and Education Portal online learning platform. Rinki currently serves as a member of ASHA's Scientific and Professional Education Board. She has earned multiple awards for excellence in clinical practice, leadership, advocacy, and clinical education. She has practiced in medical settings across the US for over a decade. In addition to teaching and mentoring graduate students, she has presented nationally and internationally and published several articles on topics related to adult dysphagia. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, volunteering, and doing what she can to help advance the profession by paying it forward.  Support the Show. 
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Gaps: Where Are They... Really? Progression in Perspective and the Importance of Nuance.

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