Evidence-Based Approaches to Swallowing Assessment
Understanding how swallowing performance varies is essential for accurate and effective dysphagia management. In an upcoming webinar, Professor Catriona Steele will present research on how bolus consistency, volume, and task repetition influence swallowing outcomes—and how clinicians can use this information to improve their assessment protocols.
Swallowing Variability: Why One Trial Isn’t Enough
Swallowing can change from one attempt to the next, even within the same patient. Thin liquid swallows may be safe one moment and result in penetration or aspiration the next. This natural variability highlights the importance of repeated trials during assessments. Professor Steele will explain how recognizing these fluctuations leads to better clinical decisions.
Impact of Bolus Consistency and Volume on Swallowing Safety
Bolus properties matter. Thinner liquids often pose higher aspiration risks, while thicker textures may increase residue. Larger volumes can further challenge the swallowing mechanism. This webinar will help clinicians understand how these variables influence outcomes and how to choose the right combinations to evaluate safety and efficiency.
When to Generalize—and When Not To
Clinicians often wonder whether findings from one task apply to others. The webinar will explore the limits of generalization and provide strategies for identifying high-value assessment tasks that truly reflect a patient’s swallowing ability.
Register Soon to Learn from a Leading Dysphagia Researcher
Find more information here on the upcoming webinar: “How evidence can inform our swallowing assessment protocol decisions: Consistencies, volumes and task repetitions” presented by Dr. Catriona Steele!
