Experiential learning
An innovative virtual approach to dysphagia training that combines Dr. Humbert’s research and teaching expertise with novel experiential learning opportunities.
Current format
Program overview and preserved session archive
Dr. Humbert introduces the featured post-stroke swallowing case and the questions clinicians work through.
01
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 coursework and live-streamed sessions.
02
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 experienced severe swallowing impairments since a brainstem stroke in 2017. Despite this, Jim eventually had his feeding tube removed. Nevertheless, he 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, Dr. Humbert conducts a follow-up visit that includes an interview, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and a modified barium swallow study (MBSS)—a swallowing X-ray—with Jim, so that the team can educate him on his swallowing progress.
The free recording is available above. Clinicians can dive deeper into Jim’s history through the additional pre-recorded coursework on STEP.
The pre-recorded coursework includes two additional hours covering normal swallowing physiology, foundations of conducting an MBSS, 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). The listed course fee is $25.
View the STEP course03
04
The original session combined two hours of pre-recorded coursework with a two-hour live-streamed clinical session.
Phase A
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; and EMST overview.
Phase B
Patient history, current concerns and successes; Clinical Swallowing Examination; FEES and MBS; and counseling through clinical recommendations and patient reflections.
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 2:00–4:00 PM Eastern. Total time: four hours (240 minutes). Registration was $75, paid registrations were non-refundable, and partial credit was not offered. The course was listed for 0.4 ASHA CEUs at the introductory level in the professional area.
Preserved STEP enrollment pageThe original session asked registrants to indicate special-assistance needs during registration and directed complaints and improvement feedback to STEP support.
Email STEP support
05
Session 2 was listed for Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 2:00–4:00 PM Eastern under the title “Testing Postures, Maneuvers, Devices in MBS.” The source event page stated: “Details and Registration: Coming Soon.” No additional session description was published there.
06
The 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.
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.
All pre-recorded courses for each HELP session are provided through STEP. The Swallowing Wellness Center partnered with STEP Community, an all-in-one learning platform, to connect dysphagia education and clinical skill refinement from theory to practice.
Visit STEPRegistration typically opens about a month before a live event. Registrants receive access to the recorded STEP courses and a link for the live stream. All pre-recorded coursework must be completed before the live-stream event.
Pre-recorded courses vary in length but are designed to take about two hours on average. Live-streamed sessions typically last two to three hours. Check the details for each session before registering.
Swallowing Wellness welcomes suggestions for future HELP topics.
Email Swallowing Wellness