Therapy Insights Case Study Session #2: Anju

All case studies are fictional.

In this session: Anju is a 62 year old female s/p anterior spinal surgery. Per MBSS report, she is aspirating on thin liquids. Various strategies were trialed. The only successful strategy was small sips, which reduced the risk, though did not completely resolve it. The evaluating SLP did try nectar thick liquids, which did resolve the risk of aspiration. The report concluded that the patient should be on a softer diet with nectar thick liquids. Anju is unhappy with this and does not want to drink thickened liquids. She is dehydrated and at risk for UTI.

We discuss:
- Clinical recommendations and patient choice
- How SLP documentation impacts dieticians
- Therapeutic variance forms
- The state surveyor dilemma
- Patient-centered documentation
- Women's bodies in the healthcare system
- SLPs, dietitians, and diet upgrades/downgrades
- How to build SLP+dietician relationships