Getting Started With Your Medical Practicum Experience Initial Overview

A few preliminary notes ….

Influenza Modes of Transmission Respiratory droplet transmission (cough, sneeze) Contact with respiratory secretions and bodily fluids Indirect contact via hand transfer Note: People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick (from Everyday Preventive Actions on CDC website)

Preventing Influenza Transmission Get influenza vaccination Cover your cough & sneeze Use facemask if patient has droplet precautions Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Use standard precautions (hand hygiene, gloves) Limit touching of surfaces Disinfect surfaces Keep a distance (if possible) DO NOT go to practicum if remotely feeling sick DO NOT go to practicum until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (without fever-reducing meds) Link to CDC website on seasonal flu

Medical practicum

What is the purpose of Medical Practicum? Familiarize yourself with a medical setting Acquire basic competencies in certain areas of medical speech-language pathology Medical chart review Patient interviewing and case history Oral-facial examination Cognitive, speech, language screening Swallowing screening and feeding precautions Medical Practicum will run over three terms

How To Be Successful In Medical Practicum Be on time, dressed according to clinic standards and eager to learn Meet in the front lobby of Riverpark Complete any readings or preparation requested in advance Be mindful of HIPPA and confidentiality in and out of practicum

What is a SNF? Skilled Nursing Facility - An institution where round the clock care is provided to individuals by trained nurses (LPNs and RNs). Patients come for long term care and for short term care/rehab (to get better and return home or to a lesser level of care) Some patients come and are still very ill or injured May have mobility issues, new incisions, IV’s, drains, are in traction, have bruises, are very weak or difficult to arouse

What Types of Patients Do SLPs See? Age range of patients in long-term care 60-69 years: 12% 70-79 years: 23% 80 years and older: 57% Top SLP diagnoses in SNF’s Swallowing: 67% Cognitive-Communicative Disorder: 47% Aphasia: 6% Dysarthria: 5% Voice Disorder: 3% Source: ASHA NOMS: Adults in Healthcare – Skilled Nursing Facility 2012 http://www.asha.org/content.aspx?id=15831&LangType=1033

How To Be Even More Successful In Medical Practicum If you are feeling uncomfortable about a medical situation, talk with your supervisor as soon as it becomes a concern Make eye contact with and greet the professionals and residents you meet Communicate with the residents you meet at eye level, with a clear voice and smile! Demonstrate professionalism

What to Expect First Visit Tour of facility Practice professional introduction Participate in patient interview and administration of SLUMS and or MOCA Oral- Facial exam Initial Dysphagia screening ( observe pt consuming alternative diet)

Professional Introduction Introduce yourself Make eye contact Speak clearly State your credentials ( show your ID) State your intention or ask permission to interview

Let’s Practice SLUMS MOCA

During Patient Interaction ( Interview) Make note of; Cognitive status Orientation Awareness of problem Hearing status Expressive Language Word finding challenges?

Personal Interview Cont. Comprehension Follows directions? Understands Yes/No? Ability to follow directions Voice Loudness Quality

Let’s Discuss Pros and Cons SLUMS VS MOCA

How to Prepare Visit INFOCDS and begin making your medical practicum notebook or binder InfoCDS> Practicum Placements> UO Placements> Medical Practicum Practicum week 1- Dysphagia Sign up via SIGN UP Genius

Medical Practicum Notebook Please print from INFO CDS- Initial Preparation SLUMS MOCA Initial Evaluation Adult NOMS FCMs Common Medical Abbreviations Oral Facial Exam-Adult –UO Worksheet