A Clinical Perspective on Treating Patients with Trachs & Vents - Kristen King, PhD, CCC-SLP

A clinical perspective for the speech language pathologist offering a multi modality approach to the introduction of evaluation and treatment methods for people with tracheostomies and or ventilators in hospital, clinical, and school settings. This workshop offers an overview of various types of trachs and speaking valves on the market today, including their primary differences and their impact on speech and swallowing. After a broad overview, audience members will be introduced to basic methods for evaluating and treating a person with a tracheostomy, both on and off a ventilator. Audience members will also receive information regarding various techniques for enhancing speech production in the patient population. Techniques discussed will be reinforced through the instructional methods of PowerPoint presentation, video clips, demonstration, and handson experience with trach components, cuff inflation deflation, and placement of speaking valves.