1543L - Where the Dust Settles—Lasting Adaptations to Radiation Swallowing Pathway Emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of this session is to present an evolved framework for radiation swallowing pathway (before and after radiation therapy) that allows for more individualized care and accounts for long-term practice changes resulting from the recent pandemic. The session will involve relevant literature and research. Speech pathologists will explain what alterations to classic care have been beneficial to patients and how to implement these changes into clinical practice. Post-radiation speech pathology interventional changes will also be discussed, including McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program, Expiratory Muscle Strength Training, and manual therapy. The session is designed to translate these practical innovations into routine clinical practice to enhance access and patient experience in outpatient clinics treating patients with radiation-associated dysphagia.