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Course Description

VitalStim Therapy is the most researched dysphagia therapy in the world. Over 19million patients have been safely and effectively treated by over 30,000 therapists in 40 countries around the world. This highly skilled approach is a paradigm shift in the way dysphagia has been managed in the past. This course will provide an introduction to the treatment approach used for infants, pediatrics and adults. Two instructors will present topics including the following:

  1. Theory of NMES for Dysphagia
  2. Limitations of conventional dysphagia therapy
  3. Anatomy/physiology relevant to NMES
  4. Neuroplasticity
  5. Role of exercise combined with modalities
  6. Candidates for VitalStim Therapy
  7. Research
  8. Regulations on equipment and training
  9. How to become a VitalStim Provider and access to Clinical Consultants, Private Library, Private VitalStim Provider Groups, and advanced training

 

This training is a window into the upcoming VitalStim Specialty Certificate Program that will be held in London August 3-4, 2024 a NAPA Center London.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define VitalStim Therapy
  • List appropriate candidates for VitalStim Therapy
  • Compare traditional dysphagia therapy to a therapy combining NMES and exercise
  • Locate research regarding NMES for Dysphagia
  • Identify the ethical requirements for usage and training
  • List the clinical support benefits for VitalStim Providers

Karin Mitchell

M.A. CCC-SLP

Karin Mitchell is a worldwide respected Speech Language Pathologist specializing in the care and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing, developmental care of the medically fragile infant and child, and pediatric traumatic brain injury. Her love of teaching and helping others drives her to create and deliver fun and empowering continuing education courses across the nation and internationally. Areas covered are Developmental Care in the NICU, Cue Based Feeding, pediatric feeding and swallowing analysis and treatment, including the use of VitalStim, swallow studies, enhancing decision making and clinical analysis, breast feeding the medically fragile infant and child, and developmental milestones supporting feeding skill acquisition. Beginning her practice in 1995, Karin sought out learning opportunities and creative ways to teach others. She now serves as a lead therapist for the NICU and Feeding Teams at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange, CA. With a clinical practice formed by a strong theory base in NDT and SI therapies, Karin is also NOMAS trained and VitalStim certified. She provides ongoing education in-services and hands-on labs for appropriate developmental care, positioning, handling, and feeding skills for clinical staff including medical residents, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Karin was a key player in the development of unit protocols and care plans for evidence-based developmental care in the highly specialized Small Baby Unit (ELBW) at CHOC which includes an ongoing education series required by all medical and support personnel. She is an active committee member for multiple qualities of care committees including Skin to Skin Care, Developmental Care, Infant Driven Feeds, Breast Feeding Coalition, Palliative Care, Neuro NICU Team, Trauma Team, and Family Centered Care. A dedicated leader, Karin devotes much of her time to the support and development of clinicians, serving as a mentor committed to building therapist's skills in clinical analysis and therapeutic effectiveness with medically fragile patients. She is a strong advocate for her patients and their families and speaks at local associations, community centers, local universities, and school districts to support medically fragile infants and children.

Financial Disclosure: Karin receives an honorarium from CIAO for the presentation of this course. She also receives royalties for the purchase of her recorded course(s)
Non-financial Disclosure: Karin uses VitalStim in her clinical practice.


Lesley Mateer

M.A. CCC-SLP

Lesley Mateer, M.A. CCC-SLP is the president of Career Improvement & Advancement Opportunities, Inc (CIAO). Since 1999, she has dedicated her company to taking care of fellow therapists and providing quality, affordable continuing education across the United States. As a Speech Language Pathologist and Rehab Director, Lesley trained healthcare professionals and students on various topics such as Customer Service, Medicare Guidelines, Corporate Orientation, Ethics, Rehabilitation, Motivation and Leadership.
Financial Disclosure: Lesley is the president if CIAO Seminars, the owner of the VitalStim and Beyond, DINES Specialty Program and VitalStim Renewal course.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant relationships.

Day 1

07:00 - 08:30
VitalStim An Overview (start time 7:00am CST, 1:00pm GMT-UK)
07:00 - 07:15
VitalStim Therapy defined
07:15 - 07:30
Appropriate candidates for VitalStim Therapy
07:30 - 07:45
Traditional dysphagia therapy compared to a therapy combining NMES and exercise
07:45 - 08:00
Top 10 myths regarding NMES for dysphagia
08:00 - 08:10
Research regarding NMES for dysphagia
08:10 - 08:20
The ethical requirements for usage and training
08:20 - 08:30
Clinical support benefits for VitalStim Providers

Delivery VIA:

  • Live Stream - This course is offered from our Live Stream studio. Watch and interact with the instructor from wherever you are or join us as part of the studio audience in sunny Gulf Breeze, FL. Included with each Live Stream registration is access to the course recording for the 14 days immediately following the broadcast.

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • None available

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