Grand Rounds: Pediatric Dysphagia: Evaluation, Assessment, Treatments and Implications

Objectives (Educational Content) :

1. Describe normal vs abnormal feeding behaviors based on milestones and medical history. 2. Differentiate between behavioral vs anatomical/functional swallowing impairment. 3.Summarize updated ACH dysphagia algorithm: 1) Role and Impact of interpretation of Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), limitations in assessing neonatal and infant swallow, 2) Role of Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES), a new clinical diagnostic procedure and clinic available at ACH.

Target Audience:

General pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, psychologists, and nurses.

Identified Gap:

Clinicians may have limited training in distinguishing between normal and abnormal pediatric feeding behaviors, as well as in differentiating behavioral from anatomical or functional swallowing impairments. Additionally, there may be a lack of familiarity with updated diagnostic tools and protocols, such as the ACH dysphagia algorithm, VFSS interpretation, and the emerging role of FEES.

Estimated Time to Complete the Educational Activity:

1 hour(s)

Expiration Date for CE/CME Credit:

08-14-2026

Method of Participation in the Learning Process:

The learner will view the presentation, successfully complete a post-test and complete an activity evaluation.

Evaluation Methods:

All learners must successfully complete a post-test, as well as an activity evaluation, to claim CE/CME credit.

Disclosure:

The following presenter has indicated that a financial relationship with an ineligible company: Vital Talk Julie Wei, MD. The following planning committee member has indicated that a financial relationship with an ineligible company: Merck Maria Victorio, MD This has been mitigated. The remaining planning committee/CME committee members have indicated that they have no financial relationships with any ineligible companies.

Accreditation Statement:

Akron Children’s Hospital is accredited by the Ohio State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Akron Children’s Hospital designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM. Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Bibliography:

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