Intermediate Dysphagia MSc

About the course

This is a Masters level module equating to 15 M level credits. It is a Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) course designed to develop the knowledge and skills of band 5 therapists or therapists new to Dysphagia work. It will allow them to move from carrying out protocol-guided dysphagia assessments and therapy to being able to independently assess clients using a range of methods and to plan, carry out and evaluate individualised client-centred dysphagia treatment packages with clients with a range of aetiologies.

There are a maximum of 15 places on this course, a proportion of which are reserved for local therapists who are Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) funded. If qualified Speech and Language Therapists meet the pre-requisites they can apply. The fee for this course is currently £547 (2012-13).

Normal fees apply, except for therapists working for the East Midlands NHS where these are waived if this is part of an approved staff development plan; this is due to funding from the Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) contract in this area. Please check the fee at time of application as this may change. Close all sections| Open all sections|

Key facts

UCAS course code:

Duration:

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

• A degree in Speech and Language Therapy and a minimum of 6 months as a Band 5 therapist. Clinical experience including implementing protocol – guided dysphagia assessments and treatment
• Observation of a minimum of 5 dysphagia cases being assessed, including at least one video- fluoroscopy assessment in real time
• Familiarity with local dysphagia policies and protocols
• Clinical practice mentor to have been identified within own service. (Normally band 7/8)

Teaching and assessment

The module consists of five days of University-based teaching and learning. The first part takes place in the September and the second part in the following February. Between the University-based sessions there is a 5 month period of mentored clinical learning and practice in the work place. The five days in University are full days running from 9am – 5pm.

Course modules

There are two streams to this module – adult neurology and adults with learning disabilities. Much of the teaching and learning is done as a whole group as it is applicable to all but some teaching is split for the different streams. Case examples will be used from both client groups throughout.

The main components of the module are:

• A theoretical understanding of dysphagia, its presentations and variations with different aetiologies within adult neurology/adults with learning disabilities
• An understanding of the impact dysphagia has on a person’s life and the importance of a client-centred approach
• An investigation into the evidence base for a variety of assessment and treatment methods
• A consideration of the importance of contributing factors and the role of the MDT
• Case-based work - interpreting assessment results and planning individual treatment packages for a range of clients
• A theoretical understanding of management differences for dysphagia caused by a range of aetiologies and within a range of settings with examples of the clinical application
• Discussion of more complex cases including tracheostomy, complex needs, ethics and end of life care.