Jan and Helen discuss their experiences of managing eating, drinking, and swallowing changes in their brain injury caseload. We also chat about guidance available in managing EDAR- eating and drinking with acknowledged risk.

Jan and Helen discuss a recent article focused on identifying factors significant in predicting aspiration pneumonia. The article by Ball, Meteyard and Powell can be accessed at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00405-023-08153-z (institution login required).

We also discuss the relevance of the paper in light of RCSLT's position paper on the use of thickened fluids. Listen to the authors of the position paper discuss it in detail here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5q183zJ8iXMbx3jI9LDVnf

Jan and Helen discuss an article exploring communication partner training for healthcare staff in a subacute setting. Read the full article:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02699052.2022.2158224

Jan and Helen discuss the topic of prolonged disorders of consciousness. We talk about how this diagnosis can be made, the role of speech and language therapy, and supporting families. Resources: RCP guidelines https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/guidelines-policy/prolonged-disorders-consciousness-following-sudden-onset-brain-injury-national-clinical-guidelines

SLT guidelines https://www.rhn.org.uk/content/uploads/2016/04/SLT-DOC-guidelines-RCSLT-version-Jan-2020.pdf

RHN PDoC Toolkit https://www.rhn.org.uk/research/putney-prolonged-disorder-of-consciousness-toolkit/

RHN open lecture on Biozoon https://youtu.be/cVRpzGYCHNc?si=fQcK85hwcu_aZ1mC

Helen speaks to Richard about his reasons for becoming a Speech and Language Therapist, and his work on Project Relate. This is an Android app for individuals with non-standard Speech. More information can be found at https://sites.research.google/relate/ Richard can be found on Twitter @speedoftrust27

In this episode, Jan and Helen discuss sexual capacity after brain injury with Dr McIntosh, a Clinical Neuropsychologist. Please note this episode includes the use of explicit language. If you wish to contact Dr McIntosh, her email is [email protected], or follow her on Twitter @Catrionamcinto1.

Further reading: www.bild.org.uk

Access the and Brain Injury conference via www.abisolutions.org.uk

Get in touch with us and let us know what you think of this topic via Twitter @BrainySLT or Instagram @brainyspeechtherapists

Helen speaks to Jan and Carly to mark Aphasia Awareness Month. Jan had a stroke which resulted in aphasia, and her daughter Carly now works for The Stroke Association. Follow them on social media: Twitter @carlystroke Instagram a_life_after_stroke and Facebook A Life After Stroke. Check out The Stroke Association site for great information https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-aphasia. Watch the documentary When the Words Away Went https://www.stroke.org.uk/when-the-words-away-went