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$44.00 USD

100% rating - reviews

0.2  ASHA CEUs

Swallowing Difficulties After Total Laryngectomy #e307


Presenter: Paula Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This course includes a comprehensive library of post-laryngectomy radiographic images and case studies.

"This entire course was useful. I took it specifically to better understand VFSS with TL and got so much more! Thanks." – S.M., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

Total laryngectomy is life altering and impacts most basic functions including communication, breathing, taste, smell and swallowing. Swallowing problems historically have been overlooked or underreported because individuals were safely eating and able to resume oral intake. However, swallowing function and quality of life are drastically altered given the anatomical changes rendered by surgery and other etiologies.

This course will provide participants with a thorough understanding of the surgical management of laryngeal cancer, etiologies of dysphagia, clinical and instrumental assessment during the pre- and post-operative periods, and methods of interventions. Additionally, participants will view a comprehensive library of post-laryngectomy radiographic images and case studies.

Course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs - 2 contact hours.

Course Overview & Run Time

Course Overview – Run Time: 2:21:07

  1. Background of laryngeal cancer and total laryngectomy.
  2. Total laryngectomy surgical resection and reconstruction.
  3. Pre-surgical clinical assessment.
  4. Post-surgical instrumental assessment; radiographic images; dysphagia etiologies.
  5. Behavioral, medical and surgical intervention of post-laryngectomy dysphagia.
  6. Case discussion and conclusions.

Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.

"Discussing the typical time frames for diet initiation, review of swallowing dysfunction, and ways to treat following TL were beneficial. I liked the video examples and treatment techniques."

– J.V., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

Content Disclosures

The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.

Course Format

Video PowerPoint presentation with author narration & downloadable handout. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.

Reviews

Comments From Prior Course Participants

"The discussion of treatment methods for dysphagia following total laryngectomy was beneficial. I enjoyed the quality of information provided." A.U. (Dec. 2024)

"The assessment tests were helpful. The presenter was very knowledgeable." B.G. (Dec. 2024)

"I liked the MBSS studies." K.P. (Dec. 2024)

"All of the dysphagia eval/tx suggestions are reasonable and manageable in my location and practice. I would use really all of this information in the care of the TL patient. Very good content." A.H. (Dec. 2024)

"Paula is extremely knowledgeable on this topic! Appreciate her sharing all her wisdom in this comprehensive presentation." J.C. (Dec. 2024)

"It was beneficial to discuss the types and degrees of reconstruction/involvement and how this can impact the individual's swallow function. This was a great presentation with no complaints. I enjoyed every piece that was presented. All was relevant and helpful." L.M. (Nov. 2024)

"I liked all of the information." L.C. (Oct. 2024)

"Therapeutic strategies were helpful. I liked the assessment info." S.B. (Oct. 2024)

"All of the information was beneficial as this is a topic I am not overly familiar with. I liked the use of images and videos." J.M. (Sep. 2024)

"Beneficial review of prevalence to help inform education for patients." H.H. (Sep. 2024)

"A helpful discussion of tongue movement as relates to swallowing. I enjoyed the ease of information." R.K. (Sep. 2024)

"Discussing dysphagia s/p total laryngectomy was beneficial. Good examples/pictures." A.W. (Aug. 2024)

"I'm thrilled for the new research and tools for standardizing practice and intervention. Could listen to the presenter teach all day! Appreciate the inclusion of videographic confirmation of what she was addressing." M.C. (Aug. 2024)

"Most common swallow deficits post laryngectomy were helpful to discuss. I liked that the course was not overly complicated, and was summarized well." L.C. (Jul. 2024)

"Learning that pharyngocutaneous fistulas are very common post laryngectomy was beneficial. Identifying pseudoepiglottis and other anomalies on MBS post laryngectomy which may impact pt's swallow function was beneficial. I liked the MBS images and descriptions." S.B. (Jul. 2024)

"The VFSS study examples were helpful. I liked everything in this course." S.M. (Jul. 2024)

"Discussing management post-operative was helpful. I liked that the course was easy to access and save and come back to. Very thorough information." M.M. (Jun. 2024)

"The case study, specifically the before and after views of the laser surgery, was helpful. Very orderly and interesting course." C.R. (Jun. 2024)

"Very informative course." T.S. (May. 2024)

"It was helpful to discuss MBSS as related to looking for tongue pressure, strictures or pseudoepiglottis. Great overall." A.H. (May 2024)

"Beneficial explanation of a leak test and that it should be prior to MBSS. Very informative course." Y.R. (May 2024)

"New types of TL surgeries, new therapies were beneficial topics. I liked that the course was online, and I could take it when I had time." J.K. (Apr. 2024)

"Helpful assessment tools and anatomy post total laryngectomy. Easily accessible information." O.B. (Apr. 2024)

"The images from the radiographic studies were beneficial, including all the images of pseudoepiglottis, pseudodiverticulum & strictures, etc." R.C. (Mar. 2024)

"Using the soal, trismus scale was helpful. I enjoyed the comprehensive knowledge base, clinical applications, newest data application to patients (case studies)." L.E. (Feb. 2024)

"All was beneficial in this course." L.L. (Jan. 2024)

"The discussion on acute management was beneficial." M.G. (Jan. 2024)

"Discussing common problems s/p laryngectomy was helpful. I liked the MBSS pictures." R.S. (Jan. 2024)

"It was beneficial to understand the anatomy and complications that can arise after TL. I liked being able to see the instructor." D.H. (Dec. 2023)

"This entire course was useful. I took it specifically to better understand VFSS with TL and got so much more! Thanks." S.M. (Dec. 2023)

"The topic on laryngectomy was beneficial, and I liked the pictures." S.C. (Dec. 2023)

"Post-operative clinical swallowing assessment information was helpful. The information was concise." T.O. (Dec. 2023)

"I liked the various assessments used for evaluating the swallow following complete laryngectomy. Aspiration following laryngectomy was beneficial to discuss." T.B. (Dec. 2023)

"The expectations, treatment, and evaluations were beneficial." S.R. (Dec. 2023)

"The videofluoroscopy information and images were helpful. I enjoyed seeing examples of swallowing issues in radiographic form." S.C. (Dec. 2023)

"Discussing SOAL was beneficial." K.G. (Dec. 2023)

"The anatomy sections were beneficial." C.H. (Nov. 2023)

"I liked the treatment approaches." A.D. (Nov. 2023)

"Administration of SOAL, as well as videographic illustrations, were beneficial." L.M. (Nov. 2023)

"Discussing the typical time frames for diet initiation, review of swallowing dysfunction, and ways to treat following TL were beneficial. I liked the video examples and treatment techniques." J.V. (Nov. 2023)

"Discussing the potential for pharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia after a total laryngectomy was beneficial. Good information in a relatively short period of time." C.J. (Oct. 2023)

"The surgical variances and clear illustrations were helpful. I enjoyed the clear explanations and rate of information presented." M.G. (Oct. 2023)

"Very informative course in an efficient way. I liked all of it." M.S. (Oct. 2023)

"A great review of the anatomical changes after a total laryngectomy." L.H. (Oct. 2023)

"All topics were beneficial, especially relating to treatment for dysphagia after surgery. I liked the wonderful VFSS images." A.L. (Oct. 2023)

"The dye test for fistula was helpful. I liked the general info of the course." D.B. (Oct. 2023)

"Well-organized course, supported by data." S.C. (Sep. 2023)

"All very helpful information. I liked going over the assessments and treatment." C.L. (Sep. 2023)

Course Objectives

At course conclusion, participants will be able to:
  1. Describe changes in anatomy and physiology and the impact of surgical resection and reconstruction on swallowing function.
  2. Identify other etiologies that contribute to dysphagia.
  3. Summarize population specific instrumental and clinical assessment measures of dysphagia.
  4. Describe educational, supportive, compensatory, rehabilitative, and medical/surgical interventions for the laryngectomized individual with dysphagia.

Presenter & Disclosures

Paula A. Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Paula A. Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, currently is a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist in the Department of Neurology/Speech Section, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System in Gainesville, FL. Paula's clinical expertise and research are focused on swallowing disorders in head and neck cancer and at end-of-life. She has been affiliated with numerous comprehensive cancer centers, including H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, Sylvester Cancer Center, Miami, FL, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Paula also has participated as part of numerous clinical research trials in swallowing.

Paula served as a co-regional primary investigator for the largest controlled, randomized research trial in oropharyngeal dysphagia funded by the National Institutes of Health (Protocol 201). Protocol 201 examined the effectiveness of chin down and thickened liquids in individuals with dementia and Parkinson's disease both with and without dementia. Additionally, Paula has published numerous articles, book chapters, and co-authored books, including Swallowing Intervention in Oncology and the Easy-To-Swallow, Easy-To-Chew Cookbook. She also has co-authored multiple national guidelines, directives, and policies relating to oropharyngeal swallowing disorders for both the Veterans Health Administration and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is a board recognized specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders. Paula is an ASHA Fellow and former coordinator of ASHA's Division 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. She was named "2013 Clinician of the Year" by the Association of Veterans Affairs Speech-Language Pathologists. 

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial — Paula Sullivan is a coauthor of the text, "Easy-To-Swallow; Easy-To-Chew Cookbook"; receives royalty payments.

Financial — Paula Sullivan is a presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.

Nonfinancial — Paula Sullivan has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Intended Audience / Accreditation

Intended Audience/Accreditation
asha ce approved provider

This program is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).

Intended Audience

  • Speech-Language Pathologists

ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.

ASHA CE Registry: During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:

  • Current ASHA Member
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) Holder
  • Licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology
  • Credentialed by a state regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Credentialed by a national regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Engaged in a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of an individual with their ASHA CCC
  • Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in SLP or audiology

If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.

Licensing Boards: Most state licensing boards DO accept CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some state boards do, however, place a limit to the number of credits that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any credit limits related to home-study courses prior to registering for this course.

Additional accrediting agencies by which Northern Speech is an approved CE provider:

  • California: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. Provider #PDP4. Online CEU limits may apply; please contact SLPAHADB for current online CEU acceptance policies.
  • Iowa: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. Provider #169.
  • Kansas: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Provider #LTS-S0005.

Frequently Asked Questions

Online Course FAQ — Click Here

Customer Support: Please phone 888.337.3866 or email info@northernspeech.com.

Course Completion Timeframe:

You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.

However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.

Content Access:

Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.

Certificate of Completion:

On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.

ASHA CE Registry Submission:

During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

Purchase Orders:

Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.

What is an Online Course?

Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.

Receiving CEUs:

Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.

Registering for an online course:

You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.

Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:

You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.

Testing requirements:

Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.

Number of CEUs offered:

We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.

State licensing boards and online CEUs:

NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.

Course formats:

Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.

Course handouts:

Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file. 

Group discounts:

Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.

Computer requirements:

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.

Course Cancellation Policy:

A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded. 

Special Needs:

Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them. 

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