Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Speech Symposium 2027

Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Speech Symposium 2027 is organized by Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) and will be held on Feb 27, 2027 at Goldman Auditorium Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America.

Description:
The Clinical Swallow Exam Reconsidered
This session reframes the clinical swallow examination (CSE) as a diagnostic reasoning process. Participants will review the evidence base for individual exam components, differentiate screening from comprehensive evaluation, and practice generating hypotheses about swallowing physiology from components of a comprehensive CSE. Emphasis is placed on the inferential limits of bedside data and on establishing defensible thresholds for instrumental referral, with case applications across also presented.

Navigating the Complex Path of Head and Neck Cancer Care
Patients with head and neck cancer have a complex journey which often requires multiple oncologic interventions over a protracted treatment period. Dysphagia is a common condition prior to, during, and following treatment, making the speech-language pathologist a core member of the treatment team. In this half day seminar, we will review care pathways that can be implemented along the care continuum to optimize patient outcomes. Participants will be provided with practical, evidence-based recommendations for timing of assessments and interventions that can be implemented into their clinical practice. The challenges and benefits of multi-disciplinary care will be highlighted and case examples will be integrated throughout the presentation.

Course Learning Objectives:
The Clinical Swallow Exam Reconsidered

• Describe the diagnostic purpose and psychometric limitations of the clinical swallow examination (CSE) relative to instrumental assessment.
• Differentiate dysphagia screening from a comprehensive CSE with respect to intent, personnel, and interpretation.
• Identify components of the CSE supported by evidence versus those with limited or absent supporting data.
• Apply CSE findings to generate testable hypotheses about swallowing physiology.

Navigating the Complex Path of Head and Neck Cancer Care

• Discuss how care pathways can optimize SLP care along the complex treatment continuum.
• Integrate care pathways into their clinical practice to improve swallowing outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer.
• Describe specific interventions that can improve swallowing outcomes in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer.