The use of commercially or naturally thickened liquids has long been an established treatment for adults and children with dysphagia to fluids, claiming to improve swallow safety and comfort by minimizing risk of aspiration. However, clinicians, researchers and patients are increasingly questioning claims of effectiveness, with evidence highlighting potential harms of thick fluids. This session aims to present the current state of the evidence for use of thickened fluids in children and adults, and discuss the disconnect between the evidence and use of thickened fluids in clinical practice.

This event would be of interest to SLTs, dietitians, nurses, doctors or any other health or social care professional who encounters thick fluids in their work. While this event is hosted by the Scotland Dysphagia CEN, it is open to all, both within and outwith Scotland.

Your speakers:

Tracy Lazenby-Paterson:

Tracy qualified as a speech and language therapist in 1999. She began her career working with children with intellectual and physical disability, and has specialised in adult learning disability since 2004. After completing her intermediate and advanced dysphagia qualifications, Tracy went on to co-teach on the Manchester Metropolitan Advanced Dysphagia Course and Advancing Dysphagia Practice seminars. Tracy has been a RCSLT professional adviser in ALD dysphagia and Chair of the Scotland Dysphagia CEN since 2010. Tracy has been researching the use of thick fluids in dysphagia treatment since 2013, and she continues to publish, present and discuss this topic with SLTs and health and social care professionals who encounter thick fluids in their practice. For publications, visit: www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-lazenby-paterson-46571090

Alex Stewart:

Alex qualified as a speech and language therapist from the University of Manchester in 2001. After completing a community rotation post, she started her journey into the world of paediatric dysphagia at the Royal London Hospital. She moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2005 and continues to work there today. However, as a lover of a long commute and juggling part time jobs, she worked at a number of other hospitals, including: University College London, University Hospital Wales and St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, developing skills in neonatal and paediatric dysphagia. Alex is passionate about research, completing a MRes in Clinical Practice at St George’s University, London in 2013. She is currently undertaking an NIHR funded Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship at University College London. She is also chair of the London Paediatric Dysphagia CEN and scientific chair-elect of the UK Swallowing Research Group.