Dysphagia Awareness Training Course

Dysphagia is a swallowing difficulty that can affect people of all ages but is particularly common among older adults and individuals with neurological or long-term health conditions. If not recognised and managed correctly, dysphagia can lead to serious risks such as choking, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and reduced quality of life.

This Dysphagia Awareness Training Course provides health and social care professionals with essential knowledge and practical guidance to recognise dysphagia early, support safe eating and drinking, and work effectively with specialist teams to reduce risk and promote dignity.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Eating and drinking safely is a fundamental aspect of care. Many people with dysphagia rely on care staff to notice early warning signs and follow safe feeding guidance. A lack of awareness can place individuals at significant risk.

This course will help you to:

• Understand what dysphagia is and why it occurs
• Recognise early signs and symptoms of swallowing difficulties
• Understand who is most at risk of developing dysphagia
• Follow safe feeding practices to reduce choking and aspiration
• Know when and how to escalate concerns appropriately
• Work confidently within your role while supporting specialist recommendations

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define dysphagia and explain how it differs from normal swallowing
• Identify common signs and symptoms of dysphagia
• Understand the health, emotional, and quality-of-life impact of dysphagia
• Recognise common causes and risk factors, including neurological conditions and stroke
• Understand how dysphagia is identified, assessed, and reported
• Apply safe feeding techniques and mealtime practices
• Reduce choking risks through appropriate food and fluid modification
• Understand the role of speech and language therapists and multidisciplinary teams
• Escalate concerns in line with organisational procedures and professional responsibilities

Dysphagia Awareness Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Dysphagia
Learners will be introduced to dysphagia and develop an understanding of what it is and why it occurs. This module explains the normal swallowing process and compares it with swallowing difficulties, helping learners recognise how dysphagia develops and why it is a significant health and care issue.

Module 2: Recognising Signs and Symptoms
This module focuses on identifying the common signs and symptoms of dysphagia, such as coughing, choking, and difficulty swallowing. Learners will explore how dysphagia can affect physical health, nutrition, hydration, and overall quality of life, highlighting the importance of early recognition.

Module 3: Causes and Risk Factors
Learners will examine the common causes of dysphagia, including neurological conditions, stroke, and head and neck cancer. This module also identifies individuals who are at higher risk of developing dysphagia, supporting learners to recognise vulnerable groups within health and social care settings.

Module 4: Assessment and Reporting
This module explains how dysphagia is identified through observation, screening tools, and clinical assessments. Learners will understand the importance of early identification and accurate reporting, and how timely escalation can reduce risks such as aspiration, choking, and malnutrition.

Module 5: Management and Treatment Strategies
Learners will explore practical approaches to managing dysphagia, including feeding techniques and dietary modifications. The module highlights the role of healthcare professionals, particularly speech and language therapists, and explains how care plans support safe eating and drinking.

Module 6: Safe Feeding Techniques
This module focuses on safe feeding practices that help prevent aspiration and choking. Learners will explore practical examples such as positioning, pacing, chin-tuck techniques, and offering small bites, emphasising the importance of person-centred mealtime support.

Module 7: Reducing Choking Risks
Learners will develop an understanding of how to reduce choking risks through appropriate food texture preparation and the safe use of thickened fluids. This module reinforces the importance of following guidance and care plans when supporting individuals with dysphagia.

Module 8: Collaboration and Escalation
This module explores the role of multidisciplinary teams in managing dysphagia effectively. Learners will understand when and how to escalate concerns to specialists and the importance of clear communication between professionals to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Module 9: Prevention and Safety Measures
Learners will examine strategies to prevent aspiration and promote safe mealtime practices. This includes effective communication, supervision, and environmental considerations during meals to reduce risks and support dignity and wellbeing.

Module 10: Resources and Ongoing Support
In the final module, learners will explore how to access ongoing specialist support and guidance. This includes understanding the value of recognised resources, frameworks, and competency guidance to support safe practice and continuous improvement in dysphagia care.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Care and support workers
• Health care assistants
• Nurses and allied health professionals
• Social care staff working in residential, domiciliary, or community settings
• Team leaders and managers
• Anyone supporting individuals who may have swallowing difficulties

No previous experience of dysphagia is required.

FAQ

How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete the course in 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace and experience.

Is this course relevant to UK care settings?
Yes. The course reflects UK guidance, roles, and responsibilities in health and social care.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is available upon successful completion.

Is this course suitable for non-clinical staff?
Yes. The content is written clearly and focuses on awareness, safe practice, and knowing when to seek specialist support.

Dysphagia can be life-threatening if not managed correctly. By improving awareness and understanding, care staff play a vital role in protecting individuals, promoting safe mealtimes, and ensuring concerns are acted on promptly.

Enrol on the Dysphagia Awareness Training Course today

Build confidence, improve safety, and support people to eat and drink with dignity.