Humbert Experiential Learning Program (HELP)
HELP is an innovative virtual approach to dysphagia training and education. HELP combines Dr. Ianessa Humbert's extensive research and teaching expertise with novel experiential learning opportunities to deliver an immersive learning experience for professionals managing swallowing disorders. Each HELP session features a different swallowing disorder, diagnostic technique, patient population, and/or treatment modality across the continuum of care.
All HELP sessions have immediate clinical application to dysphagia management and are offered online in two phases - Pre-Recorded and Live-Streamed:
1) Pre-Recorded Coursework: Watch pre-recorded courses on the Swallowing Training and Education Portal (STEP) relevant to each HELP session topic to strengthen foundational knowledge in preparation for the live-streamed clinical sessions.
2) Live-Streamed Sessions: Virtually attend live-streamed dysphagia diagnostic and treatment scenarios in a clinical setting with volunteer patients. Mock clinical encounters will be streamed to demonstrate real-world clinical experiences for clinicians.
April 2024 HELP Session
Post-Stroke Follow-Up Evaluation: Many individuals who have long-term swallowing impairments after stroke need continued support from the medical community to address malnutrition, dehydration, pneumonia, quality of life, and community support. Volunteer Patient Jim Pastorius has suffered from severe swallowing impairments after a brainstem stroke in 2017. Despite this, Jim eventually had his feeding tube removed. Nevertheless, Jim relies on botox injections to keep his upper esophageal sphincter open and avoids some foods and eating situations to ensure that he does not choke. In this HELP Session recorded in April 2024, we conduct a follow-up visit that includes an interview, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and a modified barium swallow study / swallowing x-ray with Jim, so that we can educate him on his swallowing progress.
Watch the free recording or diver deeper into Jim’s history by viewing the additional pre-recorded coursework on the Swallowing Training and Education Portal.
FREE RECORDING: We are offering FREE access to the recorded version of the April 2024 HELP live-stream session. Watch the recording on YouTube below!
PRE-RECORDED COURSEWORK AND ASHA CEUs: Earn 0.4 ASHA CEUs by watching the recorded session and pre-recorded coursework related to the April 2024 HELP session on the Swallowing Training and Education Portal. It includes an additional 2 hours of content ranging from an overview of normal swallowing physiology, foundations of conducting a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) / swallowing x-ray, and a video history of Jim’s journey, including endoscopic and MBSS video from 2018, when he was 100% dependent on his feeding tube (NPO).This course is designed to meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) one-hour ethics requirement for maintaining certification. Dive deeper into Jim's history and enhance your knowledge. Course Fee: $25. ENROLL NOW.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the mission of HELP?
Our mission is to provide intensive, rigorous, and clinically relevant virtual experiential dysphagia training experiences to improve patient care, elevate the profession, and increase awareness about swallowing disorders.
2. Who is Dr. Ianessa Humbert?
Dr. Ianessa Humbert is a renowned scientist, professor, and speaker with over 20 years of expertise in swallowing and swallowing disorders. Her teaching philosophy challenges attendees to question their knowledge for a transformative learning experience.
3. What is the Swallowing Training and Education Portal (STEP)?
All pre-recorded courses for each HELP session will be provided via STEP. The Swallowing Wellness Center has partnered with STEP Community (Swallowing Training Education Portal), a leading online all-in-one learning platform for swallowing and swallowing disorders. The STEP x Swallowing Wellness Center collaboration fulfills the long-awaited and often requested education and training programs clinicians need to practice dysphagia management at the top of their licenses. We are revolutionizing swallowing training and education from theory to practice. Our goal is to broaden the scope of dysphagia education, training, and clinical skill refinement to move our specialty forward.
4. How do I enroll in a HELP session?
Click View Event under each HELP Session to view additional session details. Click the REGISTER link to register for sessions that are open for enrollment. Registration will typically open a month or so before the live event. Once you register, you will be able to access the recorded courses on the STEP website and will receive a link to join the live stream session. All pre-recorded coursework must be completed prior to the live-stream event.
5. How long are the pre-recorded courses, and how much time should I allocate for live-streamed sessions?
The duration of pre-recorded courses varies, but on average, they are designed to be completed within two hours. Live-streamed sessions typically last 2-3 hours. Plan accordingly to ensure you can fully engage in the learning experience and check each HELP session’s details before registering.
6. Are ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offered for HELP sessions?
Yes, we provide ASHA CEUs for HELP sessions and report them for you as well. Details regarding the number of CEUs offered for each session can be found in the session details. ASHA CEUs will only be offered to those who complete the pre-recorded coursework and attend the live event in its entirety. Partial credit will not be offered for HELP sessions.
7. Can I access session materials after the live-streamed event?
Yes, all session materials, including recordings and resources, will be available following the live-stream session within the course on the Swallowing Training and Education Portal website. Please make sure you review and complete these materials by the given deadline prior to the live-stream event.
8. How can I suggest topics for future sessions?
We’d love to hear your suggestions for future topics. Keep an eye on our announcements for upcoming sessions, and feel free to share your topic ideas with us at info@swallowingwellness.com.
June 2024 | HELP Session 2: Testing Postures, Maneuvers, Devices in MBS
Details and Registration: Coming Soon
April 2024 | HELP Session 1: Post-Stroke Dysphagia Follow-Up
Description: Many individuals who have long-term swallowing impairments after stroke need continued support from the medical community to address malnutrition, dehydration, pneumonia, quality of life, and community support. This HELP session will focus on the journey of Jim Pastorius, who suffered severe swallowing impairments after a brainstem stroke in 2017. Despite this, Jim eventually had his feeding tube removed. Nevertheless, Jim relies on Botox injections to keep his upper esophageal sphincter open and has to avoid many eating situations to ensure that he does not choke. The April 2024 HELP session will include pre-recorded and live-streamed educational material to discuss post-stroke dysphagia and share Jim’s experiences. It will be held from 2-4pm Eastern.
Click here to register for this session.
Early Bird Discount: Use promo code HELP to get $20 off registration until March 31, 2024 only.
Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:
Understand post-stroke dysphagia and its effects on swallowing and health
Recognize the impact of dysphagia on quality of life (QOL) for individuals post-stroke, including social, emotional, and functional implications.
Explore evidence-based assessments and treatment approaches employed by SLPs to manage dysphagia post-stroke
Develop personalized care plans for patients with post-stroke dysphagia for improved outcomes.
Session Agenda
A. Pre-recorded coursework provided by www.stepcommunity.com
HELP Introduction
Normal Swallowing Events (SNAPS video)
Comparing Pre-Study MBS Thinking in Research vs. Clinic
MBSS Interpretation (Foundations Video)
Patient Swallow Videos
FEES Overview
Contrast Overview
EMST Overview
B. Live-streamed coursework offered by Swallowing Wellness
Taking patent history and current concerns and successes
Clinical Swallowing Examination (CSE)
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBS)
Counseling - clinical recommendations and patient reflections
Total Time = 4 hours (240 minutes)
ASHA CEUs: 0.4
Registration Information:
Registration for this course is $75.
Use promo code HELP to get $20 off until March 31, 2024.
Paid registrations for online courses are non-refundable.
Partial credit will not be offered for this course at this time.
Special Needs: Indicate any special assistance required when you register.
Complaints and feedback for improvement can be emailed to support@stepcommunity.com
This course is offered for 0.4 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level, Professional area)