(function(doc, html, url) {
var widget = doc.createElement("div");
widget.innerHTML = html;
var script = doc.currentScript; // e = a.currentScript;
if (!script) {
var scripts = doc.scripts;
for (var i = 0; i < scripts.length; ++i) {
script = scripts[i];
if (script.src && script.src.indexOf(url) != -1) break;
}
}
script.parentElement.replaceChild(widget, script);
}(document, '
The basics of the SLP's role with tracheostomy tube and mechanical ventilation management.
What is it about?
The SLP must have a basic understanding of respiratory disease and function to understand the implications it may have on swallowing. Patients with trachs and vents need an SLP can help them eat, drink, and communicate again.
Why is it important?
There is a growing number of patients requiring trach and vent management. With the aging population and an increase in the incidence of respiratory disease, speech pathologists must have a basic understanding of the disease processes to understand why respiratory failure occurs and how we can improve the function of our patients. Our role carries with it a tremendous amount of potential value to our the interdisciplinary team as well as to our patients in this setting. While most of us were not trained or educated directly on this area to any significant degree in graduate school, it is nonetheless a crucial area for the medical SLP to understand in order to effectively manage our patients.