Neurology nurse Ms. Chheun Chhorvy (center) and Rotary Volunteer SLP Ms. Annie Johnson (right) review patient history with interpreter Ms. Lam Saychariya (left)
We are pleased to announce that the fifteen participants in our collaboration with the University of Puthisastra (UP) have completed their three-month academic program of lectures and workshops on dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and have passed their qualifying exams. They have begun the second phase of their year-long program: the clinical practicums.
For nine months, each trainee will receive one-on-one clinical supervision from volunteer speech-language pathologists supported by a generous grant from Rotary International. These Rotary volunteer SLPs have at least five years of experience working with patients with dysphagia.
As part of the practicum, the trainees will:
- Meet weekly with Rotary volunteers to reinforce and expand their skills in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia. Together, they will review the conditions of current patients with the help of an interpreter.
- Visit patients to perform screenings or evaluations for dysphagia. Together with the SLP, they will discuss the patient’s condition with family members and doctors. They will then critically explore the options appropriate for each patient, and consider treatments and goals.
- Participate in workshops led by the Rotary volunteer SLPs. During these three-hour workshops, trainees will present case studies of patients they have seen. Through a variety of participatory activities, trainees will work together to develop their skills and critical intuitions for treating a wide variety of patients with dysphagia.
Workshop participants exchange experiences and ideas for treating patients with dysphagia.