Reflections from an Pediatric Dysphagia Specialist
When I think about the highlights from Project Ghana 2019, I immediately think about the opportunity I had to present at the largest hospital in West Africa, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH)!! Smiles for Speech (SFS) partnered with Nana Akua Owusu, a true pioneer in the field of Speech-Pathology in Ghana to organize this important event. It was such an honor after 25 years in the field and training and working with Debra Beckman, creator of Beckman Oral Motor Intervention, to share my of experience to help support families with children with special needs in Ghana.
The lecture hall was full of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Speech- Language Therapists (SLTs), and SLT students. The presentation was held in the afternoon after a full day training SLT students earlier that day. I knew I was presenting on a topic that is sometimes daunting to many, and occurred at a time when tiredness and weariness were present. My initial question to the group was: “What is the best way to eat an elephant? Answer: “One bite at a time”. That was my approach to the presentation and to the subject matter itself.
In order to keep over 50 participants engaged for 2 ½ hours, I decided to present the information like a 3 course meal with breaks in between to let the participants savor and digest each “bite”. Dysphagia has 3 stages and I focused on the 1st stage- the Oral Phase. Since the Oral Phase can be assessed and treated in any setting, I thought this would be the best place to start and the most beneficial for children and families in Ghana. If we are able to strengthen oral motor function, reduce drooling, increase chewing skills, and improve nutritional intake, this would be most impactful.
With team member/ SLP, Darlene Warner, we shared the “Tools of the Trade” which included a hands on demonstration of the use of the therapy materials. With the help of my colleagues/SLPs Wanda Ewing and Pamela Tatum from Houston, Texas, we were able to provide 40 Oral Motor/Swallowing Kits for the SLT students in Ghana. The kit included my “must have” items: flashlights, bubbles, flavored tongue depressors, chewy tubes, maroon spoons, a pad to use as mat or bib, toothbrushes, and cloth bands. I shared an inexpensive technique to adapt the spoon using a simple rubber band/hair tie to assist children with Cerebral Palsy or others that have difficulty with grip control.
The last activity participants engaged in was to complete the phrase: “I will start (using the new skill) by (date) ” and share this with their neighbor. This moment was for all to take the time to reflect and process the experience. When learning new information, it is extremely important to not only to absorb but also plan to implement the new strategies. We are grateful to Nancy B. Swigert for the donation of 6 copies of her text book Pediatric Dysphagia Link to be held at the University of Ghana for students to use as a reference.
Thank you to the Smiles for Speech team and Nana Akua Owusu and for giving me an opportunity to renew my passion for the field and prayerfully continue for another 25 years!
