Management - RCSLT Guidelines

Question 0

What do the RCSLT Guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should ensure before oral trials?

Answer 0

Aim to ensure the client is at optimum levels of alertness, calmed and receptiveness prior to oral trials

Question 1

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say about review of strategies?

Answer 1

All strategies must be systematically and regularly reviewed so that the intervention continues to be valid

Question 2

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider as initial intervention points?

Answer 2

Presentation of food
Environment
Interest in food/appetite
Posture/position
Oral motor skills
Oral stimulation
Reducing oral aversions and hypersensitivity

Question 3

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider about bolus presentation and why?

Answer 3

SLTs should consider how bolus is presented in order to facilitate the softest and most efficient swallow:

Bolus placement into specific part of oral cavity

Bolus size

Blus characteristics (temperature, taste, texture, viscosity)

Pacing

Utensil

Frequency, timing and size of meals and alternative nutrition

Question 4

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider about type of food/ liquid given?

Answer 4

SLT will consider changing food/liquid consistency, temperature, taste and texture.

Any modification will be systematically assessed to determine efficacy.

Question 5

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider about behavioural strategies?

Answer 5

Situational strategies prior to, during and after mealtimes

Verbal cues

Written cues and or symbols

Physical cues

Visual cues

Question 6

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider as compensatory strategies?

Answer 6

SLT will discuss compensatory techniques with individual:

Postural changes

Swallow manoeuvres

Question 7

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider about body position during swallow?

Answer 7

Attaining comfortable position in which trunk, limbs, shoulders and head are supported

Specialised seating equipment or physical facilitation may be required

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy input essential

Question 8

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider about modification of environment?

Answer 8

SLT will optimise individual’s environment in order to provide most pleasurable, safe and positive mealtime experience.

Allowed by adjustment of:

Distractions

Level of lighting

Level of noise

Factors facilitating/ enabling social interaction

Question 9

What do the RCSLT guidelines (RCSLT 2005) say we should consider about education and training?

Answer 9

SLT will instigate training for carers:

How to support individual safely

How to implement the eating and drinking plan

When to refer back to SLT