Pills: The Forgotten Bolus

This webinar is made available thanks to the generous sponsorship support from Reflux Gourmet.

Presented by: Maggie Kuhn, MD

Description: Pill dysphagia represents a common yet frequently overlooked source of morbidity, treatment nonadherence, and reduced quality of life. This webinar will review the epidemiology and clinical features of pill swallowing difficulties, highlight key aspects of the diagnostic workup and discuss current approaches to multidisciplinary management. Attendees will gain practical strategies for incorporating pill dysphagia screening and assessment into swallowing evaluation and counseling for patient-specific difficulties and needs. The session will also explore opportunities to partner with pharmacists, advocate for patient-centered medication design, and engage pharmaceutical manufacturers in developing formulations that better meet the needs of individuals with swallowing impairment. Please tune in to learn more about and discuss this important but often neglected aspect of dysphagia care.

Learning Objectives:

1. Appreciate the scope of the problem of pill dysphagia

2. Understand best practices and evidence-based approaches for evaluating pill swallowing as part of comprehensive dysphagia assessment 

3. Empower engagement of entire clinical team to address specific patient medication needs

4. Recognize opportunities for advocacy and improved public safety with pharmaceutical dispensaries and manufacturers 

This webinar is approximately 60 minutes in length. This is a recording from a live webinar.

This webinar is offered for Professional Development Hours (PDHs), previously Certification Maintenance Hours (CMHs). For more info: https://www.asha.org/certification/factdef/.

Certificate of completion available for download at the completion of the webinar.

This Video will be available for 90 days after purchase.

Presenter Bio:

Maggie Kuhn is Professor and Division Chief at the UC Davis Center for Voice & Swallowing. Her clinical practice includes complex voice, swallowing and airway disorders across the lifespan. She is part of a multidisciplinary team who provides comprehensive, contemporary care to patients throughout Northern California and beyond. She has chaired the Pharyngoesophageal Committee for the American Bronchoesophagologic Association (ABEA) and the Airway & Swallowing Committee for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Currently, she is Secretary for the ABEA, Treasurer/Secretary for DRS and Associate Editor for Dysphagia. Her research seeks to improve functional outcomes of head and neck cancer survivors and enhance care for complex airway patients.