[Dysphagia] Cross training

[v.cooper at sbcglobal.net (v.cooper)]

With regards to this: In California, the board of OT specifically states
that OTs can practice dysphagia under the supervision of an SLP while
obtaining their hours (240 direct tx and 45 ed hours). Interesting that this
was written in conjunction w/the ST licensing board. Clearly the STs on our
state board did not feel that it was a violation of the code of ethics. I am
currently supervising a highly competant OT who quite frankly has more
education and knowledge of dysphagia than almost any of my 16 CFYs ever had
when starting. I do not feel that I am violating any code of ethics. What do
others think?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Irene Campbell-Taylor" <eripley@yahoo.com>
To: <Dysphagia@b9.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 8:09 AM
Subject: [Dysphagia] Cross training


>
> 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
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