[Dysphagia] Cross training

[eripley at yahoo.com (Irene Campbell-Taylor)]

Something has come to my attention that is really
unacceptable and it is this:
With respect to presentations for continuing education
etc. :

"ASHA would like the instructors to be aware that
training individuals other than SLPs may be in
violation of the ASHA Code of Ethics."
Can someone explain to me, please, which ethical code
this would be violating?  
It goes on: 
"Please note that ASHA has approved a position
statement regarding speech-language pathologists
training and supervising other professionals in the
delivery of services to individuals with  swallowing
and feeding disorders.  Instructors who are ASHA
members and/or hold ASHA's Certificate of Clinical
Competence may be in violation of ASHA's Code of
Ethics if they train professionals other than
speech-language pathologists in this area ?????.do not
support cross-training of clinical skills at a
professional level because the welfare of individuals
served may be compromised when SLPs cross-train other
professionals to provide these services."

Were I an ASHA member involved in such activities or
teaching at a university that allows any and all
academically qualified individuals to attend any class
of their choosing, I would be deeply insulted at the
implication that my teaching say, a dietitian,  or an
OT who wanted to take my class would "compromise"
their patients. 

"Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are primary
providers of evaluation and treatment for swallowing
and feeding disorders"
According to whom? ASHA? When there is not yet any
type of specialization, certificate or clear
qualification in the field? Just because someone
claims something doesn't make it so. And the American
Gastroenterological Association has a position
statement saying that they are the primary providers
of care and management. I would say the same thing to
them - just because you claim it?. The thought of
having gastroenterologists doing clinical evals plus
VFSS plus therapeutic intervention would be laughable
if they weren't serious about it.
"The unique foundation acquired by SLPs in their
professional education and training provides the basis
for the integration of the highly specialized
knowledge and skills necessary for this role;"

Following on the heels of public statements by ASHA
officials about the numbers of SLPs who receive no
formal training, are given false or outdated
information in courses etc. etc. this statement is
verging on the ludicrous as well as being arrogant
almost beyond belief.

"this foundation is not transferable to members of
other professions."

Why not, if it exists? And, as a member of another
profession, who has taught SLPs, dietitians, OTs,
physicians, nurses and others for many years,
published in leading medical journals, produced
teaching materials, and performed research, I am
stupefied and offended.

And then: "This position statement does not apply to
sharing information with other professionals for
purposes such as teaching another professional how to
screen for potential dysphagia so that a referral can
be made to the speechlanguage pathologist; advancing
the scientific knowledge base across
professions;??????

How is advancing this knowledge base any different
from training? 
Can anyone defend this document and, if not, why does
it exist?



=====
Dr I Campbell-Taylor
Clinical Neuroscientist
Exclusive Distributor:
www.interactivetherapy.com