2128V - Reinventing Dysphagia Training: Implementing a Hands-On Dysphagia Lab Program

This presentation outlines a hands-on dysphagia lab program that allows for students to experience clinical application of course material in the areas of anatomy and physiology, instrumental assessment, clinical swallowing evaluations, oral motor examinations, exposure to treatment methods and tools, and clinical problem-solving. With limitations in amount of dysphagia coursework available in graduate school training and limited exposure within clinical practicums, students often experience lack of confidence in skills related to dysphagia clinical application. The lab program developed and conducted with first year graduate clinicians included pre- and post-assessment surveys of student confidence within the areas covered in the clinical application labs, demonstrating the effectiveness in preparing students to be more confident and competent learners within their clinical practicum experiences.