Dysphagia Guide e-learning resource now live

Health Education England e-Learning for Healthcare (HEE e-LfH) has worked in partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, National Institute for Health Research Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative and industry experts to develop the Dysphagia Guide e-learning resource for those working with people living with dysphagia.

Dysphagia, which is difficulties chewing and/or swallowing food and drinks, has serious implications for a person’s health and wellbeing with increased likelihood of chest infections, malnutrition, dehydration, choking incidents and hospitalisations.

The resource, which was co-developed with care home staff and is relevant to others in the health and care workforce, informal carers and people with dysphagia themselves, can be used to support people working in care to gain the relevant level of competency for their role as outlined in the Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework. This resource is also a useful guide for managers in policy and workforce development.

The Dysphagia Guide e-learning resource, which has been adapted by HEE e-LfH, is made up of five sessions that cover the following topics:

  • Essentials
  • Food
  • Quality and Safety
  • Training and Resources
  • Workforce

For more information about the e-learning resource, including access details, please visit: https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/dysphagia/.