DIGEST Training Program

This course aims to help clinicians develop clinical competency to use the DIGEST methodology to grade the results of Modified Barium Swallow studies (MBS) and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing (FEES). The training course offers review of the DIGEST training manual and webinars that step the user through the DIGEST method. Participants will have ample opportunity to learn and test DIGEST rating skills via examples of MBS rating, pre- and post-tests applying DIGEST rules, and independent rating practice. Participants should be able to independently apply DIGEST methodology to grade routine MBS and FEES after completion of the course. 

Audience information:

This series will be of value to speech-language pathologists currently conducting and interpreting Modified Barium Swallow studies (MBS) and/or Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing (FEES).  The target audience will have intermediate to advanced knowledge in the area of dysphagia practice. The offering will require access to the internet and a computer with the capability to play video and sound.  

Registration includes access to a self-study manual and 5 pre-recorded webinars.

Course Structure:

This course is asynchronous, virtual format. Participants will have the opportunity to complete course requirements via recorded webinars and review of written materials at their own pace.

Course Objectives:

1. Conduct the MBS and FEES  according to a standard protocol necessary to obtain a valid DIGEST grade. 
2. Apply the DIGEST criteria to reliably derive a DIGEST grade and safety/efficiency profile from MBS and FEES. 
3. Describe how DIGEST relates to other measures of swallowing function. 
4. Clinically implement the DIGEST method as part of their dysphagia practice.  

Completion Requirements: 

In order to receive ASHA CEUs, you must complete the following— 

1. Read written manual in full 
2. Complete pre/post test for the manual with a post-test score of 90% accuracy with unlimited attempts
3. Watch each webinar in full as logged by computer tracking system 
4. Complete a post-course survey for the course. 

No partial credit will be given for this course. 

Awarding ASHA CEUs:  Enrollment and tuition does not guarantee ASHA CEUs will be awarded for this course.  Registrants must complete the above requirements to be awarded ASHA CEUs for this course. Registrants have unlimited log-in access to complete the training. This course can only be submitted once for ASHA CEUs per year. Participants will have access to a completion certificate once all components of the course have been completed.  ASHA CEUs will be requested for registrants who have provided their ASHA number when enrolling and opt in to ASHA CEUs on the post-course survey.  This submission occurs once per month during the first week of the month for the previous month (ex. course completion on April 10th - ASHA CEUs submitted the first week of May).  Per ASHA processing procedures, please allow 2-3 weeks from the submission date for the course to register on you ASHA transcript. 

Registration Categories:

Registration Fee - $199.00

Fee for previous DIGEST user - $49.00
Discount code emailed directly to the email addresss used during previous registraton.

Group rate for 6+ registrants - $169.00 each
contact [email protected] to arrange discounted rate.

MDACC network rates - $169.00
contact [email protected] to register

MD Anderson Employees - Fee Exempt

Speaker Bios & Disclosures

Manual: DIGEST Dynamic Image Grade of Swallowing Toxicity

    0  -   15  Written pre-test 
   15 - 180 Self-study of written manual 
 180 - 195 Written post-test  

Webinar 1: Getting Started 

  0 -  15 DIGEST: getting started, development and methodology 
 15 - 30 Using rating forms 
 30 - 67 Let’s practice 

Webinar 2: Safety Grading 

  0 -  15 Understanding DIGEST safety grading 
 15 - 30 Reviewing examples 
 30 - 74 Let’s practice rating 

Webinar 3: Efficiency Grading 

  0  -  15 Understanding DIGEST efficiency grading 
 15 -  30 Reviewing examples 
 30 - 104 Let’s practice rating 

Webinar 4: When It's Messy 

  0 - 30 When it’s messy for safety 
30 - 60 When it’s messy for efficiency 
60 - 91 Using DIGEST in your practice 

Webinar 5: DIGEST-FEES 

  0 -   10 Adaptation of DIGEST-FEES 
 10 -  45 How to apply DIGEST-FEES when rating FEES examinations 
 45 - 105 Practice exam rating 

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellation and refunds will not be offered for this course as content will be available for a prolonged period of time. Refunds will be offered if MD Anderson cancels the course. 

Accommodations: Submit any accommodation needs via email to [email protected] at least 30 days in advance of plans to participate. Reasonable accommodation will be made.  

Complaint policy: email [email protected] within 30 days of completing the webinar. 

Registration Categories:

• Registration Fee - $199.00
  
  
• Fee for previous DIGEST user - $49.00
• Discount code emailed directly to the email addresss used during previous registraton.
  
• Group rate for 6+ registrants - $169.00 each
• contact [email protected] to arrange discounted rate.
  
• MDACC network rates - $169.00
• contact [email protected] to register

• MD Anderson Employees - Fee Exempt

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center complies with all requirements of the identified accrediting body  (ACCME, ANCC, ACPE). Disclosure of speakers, faculty members, planning committee members and their commercial relationships will be shared with learners prior to the educational activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

Katherine A Hutcheson, PhD
Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Faculty

Grant or research support-Atos Medical|Speakers Bureau-Medbridge|Speakers Bureau-Atos Medical (Relationship has ended)

Heather Starmer, MA, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor
Stanford University

Faculty