The Theoretical Week aims to deliver the theoretical component underpinning the Specialist Dysphagia Practitioner Level C identified by the RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies Framework 2014.
Following attendance at the Theoretical Week, students require continued exposure and experience to clinical scenarios in the six month Supervisory Period in order to develop clinical competencies in their specific client group(s) to enable them to function at this level.
Students must identify an experienced dysphagia practitioner as their supervisor. Students may change supervisors during the Supervisory Period and may have more than one supervisor.
The supervisor(s) should:
1. Have dysphagia as a recognised part of their caseload.
2. Have attended dysphagia training courses or acquired specialist expertise over time.
3. Normally maintain regular contact with a dysphagia caseload.
4. Be a registered member of a professional body or have appropriate insurance.
We are unable to provide supervision or assist applicants in securing a supervisor.
The Supervisory Period is conducted at the student’s normal place of work or any other location(s) that is/are convenient for the student and their supervisor(s).
The supervisor should be contactable to answer the student’s questions either by telephone or in person following the patient contact in order to answer questions, discuss the case, etc. Contact with the supervisor can be this remote. However, personal contact is recommended. The amount of personal contact varies in each scenario in order to meet the demands of the supervisor and the needs of the student. There needs to be sufficient contact so that the student feels confident. Typically the student would observe the supervisor initially and then the supervisor would observe the student in order for the supervisor to be able to sign off clinical competence/autonomy at the end of the Supervisory Period.
A competencies framework should be used as a reflective tool. The RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies Framework 2014 Specialist Dysphagia Practitioner Level C or any locally devised in-house competencies can be used. It is the responsibility of the supervisor(s) to ensure all competencies are met.
During the Supervisory Period, students must compile a Log of Hours and a Case Study. At the end of the Supervisory Period, a supervisor must submit a Supervisor’s Report.