Speak Out April 2021

Practice alerts for swallowing

Swallowing Awaren Campaign

On the eve of Swallowing Awareness Day, Amy Fitzpatrick, Senior Advisor Disability, spoke to Jeffrey Chan, National Senior Practioner at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission), to learn more about newly released Practice Alerts for Dysphagia, safe swallowing and mealtime management and Medicines associated with swallowing problems . Thanks for the opportunity to learn more about these Practice Alerts, Jeffrey. Can you tell me a bit more about the process of reviewing them? These two Practice Alerts are based on contemporary research evidence on each topic. The NDIS Commission Research and Practice Evidence team undertook an extensive literature review, which is the typical process prior to the development of any Practice Alert. In addition, we consult with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and, where appropriate, with medical professionals, relevant health and medical peak bodies. We also liaise with the Australian Government Department of Health. It is also important to note that the National Behaviour Support (Clinical and Research & Practice Evidence) team is an inter-disciplinary team of allied health professionals, including speech pathologists. It’s great to see speech pathologists named as allied health professionals able to prescribe actions and mealtime plans to help participants eat and drink safely. What do you think are the key messages our members should take away from this practice alert? Firstly, that swallowing difficulties present as a high risk to the healthcare of people with disability. Secondly, to be alert to possible signs of swallowing problems and to medications that impact swallowing. Members should consult external experts to assess participants and, if required, recommend preventative strategies. Thirdly, to provide regular support to people with disability and their support workers to promote a safe and enjoyable mealtime.

The practice alerts can be viewed at www.

ndiscommission.gov.au/ resources#practicealerts. The practice alerts mention the vital role of training in making sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Are

Jeffrey Chan

there any recommendations the NDIS Commission would give to our members about how to make sure we are training others well? We would encourage Association members to collaborate with providers to develop the most appropriate training for their staff, to enable them to recognise and respond to swallowing problems. Speech pathologists are the best placed to provide expert advice. That’s why it would be important to have more speech pathologists with experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disability. The NDIS Commission has funded a significant project on mealtime support for people with disability, led by Professors Bronwyn Hemsley and Susan Balandin, along with participants with disability and swallowing difficulties, and with a range of partners, including Speech Pathology Australia. The project will deliver a comprehensive resource for the disability sector and professionals, and is expected to be completed by mid-2021. In addition, the NDIS Commission is currently developing an e-learning module on mealtime for disability support workers. If members would like to find out more or talk through any questions or concerns, who would be the best point of contact? Donna Gillies is the Director of Research and Practice Evidence at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and would an excellent resource for questions or concerns from members. She can be contacted via our contact centre on 1800 035 544 or by email: behavioursupport@ ndiscommission.gov.au

awareness d Wednesday 17 March

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Speak Out | April 2021