What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

The teaching was around how dysphagia affect people and how we can support those affected with swallowing difficulties in eating and drinking safely. It was a very interactive session .

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

The first thing that would come to my mind when thinking about dysphagia is the Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative IDDSI. This is a framework providing a common terminology to describe food textures and drink thickness. I would think that as long as service’s users are given the right level of food and drink

, they should be safe. However, SALT teaching had developed my knowledge, as I learned that things like the environment, lighting, the level of support needed , the timing of the meal, alertness , distraction were as important. For those who need support, the positioning of carer and the resident was also to be considered .

The educators used activities that involved drinking water in certain position or without putting a seal around the cup to experience how it feel for service’s users who lost some swallowing abilities . We also tried thickened drinks and it really felt strange at times and not comfortable. The session was brilliant as I felt the activities drove the message home and it will stuck with me. It is indeed easy to forget words than feeling. The activities kept me engaged and facilitated my learning. Indeed the integration of interactive simulation and the inclusion of role play is a proven method that facilitate communication, foster emotional wellness, increases personal strengths and enhance social relationship ( Dean and Parson,2020)

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

Since that session, I always go to offer support to resident with dementia as I understand better their needs. Before I used to think of them as ” difficult to feed”. Now that I know the experience can be enjoyable for the service’s user as long as things such as as environment and timing have been dealt with.

How is this relevant to the Code?

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust

The Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (2018) states that to practice effectively one need to maintain the knowledge and skills needed for safe and effective practice. The session was an opportunity to refresh my knowledge around dysphagia and most importantly how those affected can be supported to eat and drink while keeping them safe .

References:

Belinda J.D and Judi A.P 2020) Integrating play based approaches into nursing education: Teachers as playful academics. Available at : Http//:www. journalofplayingadulthood.org.uk. (Accessed: 20/10/2023)

NMC (2018) The code. Available at: https://ww.nmc.org.uk/standards/code