Oral health and dysphagia

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Learning outcomes

Describe the anatomy of the mouth, teeth and oesophagus

Explain the importance of oral hygiene to physical and psychosocial health

List the causes of poor oral health

Describe how to carry out an oral health assessment

Discuss the key principals of effective mouth care

Appreciate the importance of mouth care in patients receiving palliative care

Recognise when to escalate an issue with mouth care and how to refer to a dentist

Define the term 'dysphagia'

Recall examples of clinical conditions which may lead to dysphagia

List the signs and symptoms of dysphagia

Describe how to assess someone's swallowing

Explain the core principals of dysphagia-associated first aid

Know what the international dysphagia diet standardisation initiative (IDDSI) is, and how it is used in practice

Explain how to support someone with dysphagia to eat independently

Describe the anatomy of the mouth, teeth and oesophagus

Explain the importance of oral hygiene to physical and psychosocial health

List the causes of poor oral health

Describe how to carry out an oral health assessment

Discuss the key principals of effective mouth care

Appreciate the importance of mouth care in patients receiving palliative care

Recognise when to escalate an issue with mouth care and how to refer to a dentist

Define the term 'dysphagia'

Recall examples of clinical conditions which may lead to dysphagia

List the signs and symptoms of dysphagia

Describe how to assess someone's swallowing

Explain the core principals of dysphagia-associated first aid

Know what the international dysphagia diet standardisation initiative (IDDSI) is, and how it is used in practice

Explain how to support someone with dysphagia to eat independently

About this course

This in-depth module covers with standard principles and best practice guidelines in relation to oral health, mouth care and the support of people with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

This course has been developed from the NICE Guidelines for oral care in care homes and as a result of the CQC report ‘Smiling Matters’ June 2019.

It covers the anatomy of the mouth, teeth and oesophagus, the causes of poor oral health, they key principles of effective mouth care. It then explains what dysphagia is, how it is assessed and managed, including the use of IDSSI in practice, while still promoting a person’s independence and choice at all times. The course is CPD accredited and expected to take learners around 40 to 50 minutes to complete.

Course curriculum

Chapter 1 : Anatomy of the Mouth and Teeth

Chapter 2 : The Mouth

Chapter 3 : Teeth

Chapter 4 : Anatomy of the Oesophagus

Chapter 5 : What is Oral Hygiene?

Chapter 6 : Causes of Poor Oral Health

Chapter 7 : Why is Oral Hygiene so Important?

Chapter 8 : Assessing Oral Health Needs

Chapter 9 : Principles of Effective Mouth Care

Chapter 10 : Mouth Care Within Palliative Care

Chapter 11 : Managing Common Oral Issues

Chapter 12 : Referring for Additional Support

Chapter 13 : What is Dysphagia?

Chapter 14 : Signs of Dysphagia

Chapter 15 : What are the Causes of Dysphagia?

Chapter 16 : Aspiration and Choking

Chapter 17 : A Person is Choking - Six Steps to Undertake

Chapter 18 : Assessing Someone's Swallow

Chapter 19 : The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI)

Chapter 20 : Supporting people with dysphagia

Chapter 21 : Steps to Support Nutrition and Fluid

Chapter 22 : Summary

Chapter 23 : A Chance to Reflect

Chapter 24 : References

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FAQ

What is CPD?

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is the way that professionals continue to learn and develop throughout their career and ensure they keep their skills and knowledge up to date to be able to practise safely.

If you work in a role that requires registration with a regulatory body such as nursing, then you are required to keep your skills and knowledge up to date through CPD.

For example, all nurses on the NMC register must complete 35 hours of CPD in a three year period. E-learning can count towards some of the required CPD hours, so the great news is Academy e-learning modules can be used to evidence ongoing CPD hours!

Each module on Academy gives an indication of the time required in “active learning” to complete it. Once the module is completed and the assessment passed, a certificate is then issued which can be downloaded.

The terms CPD hours/scores/points are used interchangeably, although a module on Academy does not give the number of CPD “points”, the general guide is that usually one hour of learning equates to one CPD “point”.

Most of Florence Academy modules are independently accredited by the CPD Standards Office and many of them are also aligned to the Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF). Each course overview details whether the course is accredited and/or aligned, meaning you can be confident that they meet industry standards.

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Will any care home accept my certificates?

Any care home/NHS Trust outside of Florence can accept them, depending on their policies. Sometimes organisations have a preference for a certain course or they might ask to see the learning outcomes to be sure what has been covered in the course, we recommend you check with them directly.

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The information and online educational content provided by Florence Academy is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is designed to assist you in meeting your continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Florence Academy cannot be held responsible for the performance or implementation of your duties at work or professional skills.

The content should not be considered medical, health, wellness, nutritional advice or consultation. It is not a substitute for the services or advice of a qualified health professional who provides evidence-based care within a specific context. The content is generalised and does not take into account an individual's circumstances, physical well-being, mental state, or medical needs, which are important factors in correctly diagnosing and treating any health condition.

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Suitable for

Care Assistant

,

Senior Care Assistant

40-60 minutes

Free (ex. VAT)

Certificate £8.99 (ex. VAT)*

*Certificates are free for active Florence workers