Dysphagia awareness

Dysphagia Awareness Online Training

Develop the knowledge and awareness needed to recognise, manage, and support individuals with dysphagia within healthcare and care settings.

This Dysphagia Awareness Online Training course is designed for healthcare professionals, carers, and support staff working with individuals who may experience swallowing difficulties. The course helps learners understand dysphagia risks, safe management strategies, communication techniques, and the importance of multidisciplinary care.

The training supports safer patient care, reduces the risk of complications, and promotes dignity, nutrition, hydration, and wellbeing.

Online Dysphagia Awareness Training for Healthcare Staff

This online Dysphagia Awareness training module provides healthcare workers with the knowledge needed to recognise signs of swallowing difficulties, understand associated risks, and support individuals safely within healthcare environments.

The course focuses on dysphagia awareness, assessment processes, risk reduction, communication, documentation, and person-centred care.

Who Should Complete This Course?

This course is suitable for:

• Nurses
• Healthcare Assistants
• Support Workers
• Senior Carers
• Care Home Staff
• Community Care Workers
• Allied Healthcare Professionals
• Speech and Language Therapy Assistants
• Clinical Support Staff
• Agency Healthcare Workers
• Any healthcare worker supporting individuals with swallowing difficulties

Course Duration

• Approximately 1 hour online learning
• Self-paced training
• Accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile
• 1 CPD point awarded
• Certificate issued on successful completion
• 6 months access from the date of purchase

Course Aim

The aim of this course is to provide healthcare staff with the knowledge and understanding required to recognise dysphagia, reduce associated risks, and support safe swallowing practices within healthcare and care environments.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course learners will be able to:

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of swallowing
• Recognise signs and symptoms of dysphagia
• Identify causes and types of dysphagia
• Understand the importance of early identification and intervention
• Recognise assessment methods and referral pathways
• Support safe swallowing practices and diet modifications
• Understand aspiration risks and complication prevention
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting
• Understand legal and ethical responsibilities in dysphagia care

Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Dysphagia

Understand what dysphagia is and how it affects individuals in healthcare settings.

Topics include:

• Definition of dysphagia
• Prevalence and impact
• Causes and risk factors
• Effects on nutrition and hydration
• Quality of life considerations

Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Swallowing

Develop understanding of the normal swallowing process and the structures involved.

Topics include:

• Stages of swallowing
• Anatomy of the mouth and throat
• Neurological involvement in swallowing
• Safe swallowing mechanisms
• Swallow reflex function

Module 3: Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia

Learn how to recognise early warning signs of swallowing difficulties.

Topics include:

• Coughing during eating or drinking
• Choking risks
• Wet or gurgly voice
• Difficulty swallowing food or fluids
• Weight loss and dehydration
• Recurrent chest infections

Module 4: Assessment and Diagnosis

Explore the assessment processes used to identify dysphagia.

Topics include:

• Dysphagia screening tools
• Clinical assessments
• Referral pathways
• Swallowing evaluations
• Interpreting assessment findings
• Role of specialist professionals

Module 5: Management and Treatment Options

Learn practical approaches for supporting individuals with dysphagia.

Topics include:

• Diet and fluid modification
• Safe feeding techniques
• Positioning strategies
• Swallowing exercises
• Rehabilitation approaches
• Assistive devices and technologies

Module 6: Communication and Collaboration

Understand the importance of teamwork and communication in dysphagia management.

Topics include:

• Communication with patients and families
• Multidisciplinary team working
• Person-centred care approaches
• Supporting informed decision-making
• Collaborative care planning

Module 7: Complications and Risk Reduction

Recognise complications associated with dysphagia and methods to reduce risks.

Topics include:

• Aspiration pneumonia
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Aspiration precautions
• Oral hygiene practices
• Safe eating environments
• Monitoring and escalation procedures

Module 8: Ethical Considerations

Explore legal and ethical responsibilities in dysphagia management.

Topics include:

• Patient dignity and autonomy
• Consent and capacity
• Feeding and hydration decisions
• Best interests decision-making
• Ethical dilemmas in care

Module 9: Documentation and Reporting

Learn the importance of accurate record keeping in dysphagia care.

Topics include:

• Recording assessments and interventions
• Monitoring food and fluid intake
• Reporting concerns appropriately
• Legal and professional responsibilities
• Confidentiality and data protection

Module 10: Best Practices and Guidelines

Develop awareness of current dysphagia guidance and professional standards.

Topics include:

• National dysphagia guidelines
• Best practice standards
• Evidence-based care
• Current research and developments
• Continuing professional development opportunities

Assessment and Certification

Learners will complete an end of course assessment to test their understanding of dysphagia awareness, swallowing safety, risk reduction, communication, and patient support.

Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Dysphagia Awareness Online Training certificate.

CPD Information

• 1 CPD point awarded
• Supports Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) continuing professional development requirements

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) CPD Requirements

It is necessary to complete 35 hours of relevant CPD within the three-year period since your last registration renewal or since joining the register.

Of these 35 hours, a minimum of 20 hours should be dedicated to participatory learning, involving activities that facilitate interaction with other professionals.

Why Choose This Course?

• Flexible online learning
• Designed specifically for healthcare and care staff
• Supports safer swallowing management
• Promotes patient dignity and wellbeing
• Helps reduce aspiration and choking risks
• Improves communication and multidisciplinary working
• Instant certification on completion

Additional Information

If you need more information about this course, please contact Train Healthcare directly:

Telephone: 0208 3266 704
Email: contact@trainhealthcare.com

Please note that refunds are not available for online training purchases.

Enrol Online Today

Improve your understanding of swallowing difficulties, support safer patient care, and strengthen your dysphagia awareness skills with Dysphagia Awareness Online Training today.