Unit 404 Support individuals to manage dysphagia

1 Understand how to support individuals to manage dysphagia in line with current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice guidelines

• 1.1 Summarise current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice guidelines related to supporting individuals with dysphagia
• 1.2 Describe why individuals with dysphagia should be encouraged to promote their own health and well-being
• 1.3 Describe the types of activities to compensate, support development or maintenance of swallowing ability

2 Understand how dysphagia affects individuals

• 2.1 Describe the main clinical causes of dysphagia
• 2.2 Outline how to recognise the main types of dysphagia
• 2.3 Identify major risks and secondary difficulties associated with dysphagia
• 2.4 Describe the anatomy and physiology relevant to maintaining a safe swallow
• 2.5 Explain how an individual’s ability to swallow is affected by: 2.5 A sensory impairment 2.5 B physical impairment 2.5 C neurological impairment 2.5 D cognitive impairment 2.5 E previous experiences of oral feeding 2.5 F age
• 2.6 Explain how to provide a suitable environment for affected individuals

3 Know the importance of nutritional intake for individuals with dysphagia

• 3.1 Describe the impact of dysphagia on oral intake and nutrition for an individual
• 3.2 Describe safe practices with regard to preparing oral intake
• 3.3 Describe food or drink textures in accordance with national guidelines and how this relates to individuals with dysphagia
• 3.4 Explain how to implement feeding techniques within scope of own role
• 3.5 Identify reasons for modifying the consistency and appearance of oral intake for an individual with dysphagia

4 Be able to support individuals in managing dysphagia by developing skills through participating in therapy programmes

• 4.1 Confirm the individual’s identity and gain valid consent prior to carrying out the therapy programme
• 4.2 Explain the skill development activities to the individual or carer
• 4.3 Support the individual’s active participation with skill development activities as specified in the individual’s care programme, seeking advice from the care team if the level of support required by the individual is beyond own scope of practice
• 4.4 Provide oral intake in the consistency and appearance outlined in the individual’s care programme
• 4.5 Provide the individual with sufficient time to practice newly developed skills
• 4.6 Provide the individual or carer with information and advice in regards to management, as instructed by the specialist
• 4.7 Carry out therapeutic feeding activities with dysphagic individuals under direction
• 4.8 Assist others in the development of: 4.8 A optimal feeding strategies 4.8 B modelling and reinforcing strategies recommended by a Speech and Language

5 Be able to provide information to colleagues regarding individuals’ treatment

• 5.1 Update records regarding the support provided, in line with local policy and protocol
• 5.2 Provide feedback to the individual’s therapist and care team to aid future care planning