This course focuses on emerging research and changing practices in the management of dysphagia as it relates to aspiration pneumonia prevention and oral care. The presenters review the contribution of oral biofilms to bacterial aspiration pneumonia and systemic health, and discuss the genesis and treatments for aspiration pneumonia. The course describes the national VA deployment of a pneumonia prevention initiative and provides practical instruction in the development of an oral care program participants can use to implement a program in their own facility.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• discuss the association between aspiration pneumonia and dysphagia
• list the contributions of cytokines to the development of oral colonization of pathogens
• describe methods for reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia in older adults in long-term care facilities
• name three modifiable risk factors associated with non-ventilator associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP)
• identify opportunities for interprofessional and patient/family collaboration in NV-HAP prevention
• determine the steps to implement oral care as a best practice in prevention of NV-HAP

What is Included?

You'll get online access to all the course content, including the full video, handouts, and references so you can access it from anywhere!

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.