Please note: ASHA CEUs may not be earned more than once for the same program. If you completed this program when it was initially published in the Division newsletter, you are not eligible to take it again. Call the Action Center at 800-498-2071 to check your eligibility.

Treating patients with dysphagia entails complex and sometimes painful decision making, as speech-language pathologists balance their professional knowledge and recommendations with the needs and wishes of patients and their families. This Journal Self-Study explores the broad psychosocial implications of dysphagia and how to serve individuals with dysphagia in an ethical and responsible manner.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• consider clinical, ethical and legal issues in order to develop strategies for managing patients’ refusals of treatment
• discuss how to formulate clinical recommendations taking into account professional ethics and patient quality of life
• list possible roles of the speech-language pathologist in discussions regarding artificial nutrition and hydration
• discuss the role of behavioral assessment and intervention in the treatment of pediatric dysphagia
• evaluate the physical, psychological and emotional consequences of dysphagia

elearning