Understanding lactation consultants' evaluation of oral mechanism function and dysphagia in nursing neonates

<p>Infants with dysphagia are at increased risk for poor health and nutritional outcomes (Arvedson, 2008) if improperly diagnosed or managed. Communication between multidisciplinary team members is imperative for transition from screening to intervention. An overlap in scope of practice may exist between lactation consultants (LCs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). In order to facilitate multidisciplinary understanding and communication, this study was designed to understand how LCs evaluate oral mechanism function and dysphagia in breastfeeding neonates as well as their understanding of the role of SLPs in the management of dysphagia in neonates through a comparative multi-case, summative qualitative study. Participants described a multifaceted clinical assessment process. The participants’ understanding of the role and knowledge of SLPs in the care of neonates with idiopathic dysphagia was limited. The study identified a clear position for the SLP in the assessment and interpretation of craniofacial/orofacial function and dysphagia in newborns.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Howard, Elizabeth Louise

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sarah Ginsberg, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Chair
• Bill Cupples, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
• Carrie Dawson, M.S., RN

• breastfeeding
• deglutition disorders
• lactation
• counseling
• speech therapy
• Special Education and Teaching

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/571

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1945