James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

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.

Subject Description

This subject provides the foundation theoretical and professional skills necessary for competent practice in the assessment, diagnosis, rehabilitation and other interventions for feeding and 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 feeding and swallowing difficulties across areas of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and multidisciplinary perspectives on management will be explored.

Learning Outcomes

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

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - 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

Note that 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.

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 weighted assessment item.

Availabilities