SL3002 - Swallowing Disabilities Across the Lifespan

Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Speech Pathology IHCAP Program and the Bachelor of Speech Pathology Honours Programs.

This subject provides the foundation theoretical and professional skills necessary for competent practice in the assessment, diagnosis, rehabilitation and other intervention for swallowing difficulties across the lifespan. The anatomical, physiological and biomechanical processes of swallowing across the lifespan will be explored. Prevalence and causal factors of swallowing difficulties will be discussed. Current methods for assessment, diagnosis and intervention will be described, demonstrated and evaluated with respect to clinical reasoning skills and evidence-based practice. The impact of swallowing difficulties on activity and participation and multidisciplinary perspectives to management will be explored.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate and educate others to conduct interventions to remediate or manage swallowing disorders;
• describe and evaluate aetiological, comorbid and contributing factors involved in swallowing disabilities in children and adults;
• analyse, interpret and report assessment findings and make recommendations for interventions and future management for swallowing disabilities in children and adults.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - (%) - Individual
• Written > Client report 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (10%) - Group.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: complete and submit all assessment items; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties; pass every assessment item; participate in at least 80% of scheduled classes.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.