Dysphagia Awareness Course

Dysphagia Awareness – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory online course explains dysphagia, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing, and its relevance across healthcare, social care and other settings. Learners explore how swallowing works, factors that can affect it, common risk factors, signs and possible effects. The course also introduces dysphagia management and clarifies the responsibilities of people involved in supporting someone with swallowing difficulties.

Please note: This Level 1 course provides introductory awareness of dysphagia. It does not replace clinical assessment, specialist advice, practical training or role-specific guidance required when supporting people with swallowing difficulties.

What the course covers
• Introduction to dysphagia and swallowing difficulties
• The stages of swallowing
• Factors that can affect swallowing
• Knowledge check on how swallowing works
• Risk factors for dysphagia
• The effects of dysphagia
• Recognising signs of dysphagia
• How dysphagia is managed
• Responsibilities for managing dysphagia

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who need an understanding of dysphagia as part of their role or caring responsibilities. It may benefit healthcare professionals, hospital staff, care home employees, social care and community support workers, educators, school staff, family caregivers, and catering or hospitality staff. It can be used for induction, refresher training and general awareness development.

Practical benefits
• Understand the basics of swallowing and the factors that can affect it
• Recognise common signs and risks associated with dysphagia
• Understand personal responsibilities and role boundaries
• Recognise when concerns should be reported or specialist advice sought
• Improve communication with colleagues and others involved in a person’s care
• Support awareness development during workplace induction and refresher training

What learners will be able to do
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
• Explain the basic principles and terminology associated with dysphagia
• Describe the stages of swallowing and factors that may affect it
• Identify common risk factors, signs and effects of dysphagia
• Explain why dysphagia awareness matters in everyday practice
• Understand their responsibilities and limitations when supporting someone
• Communicate concerns to relevant people
• Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is required
• Apply appropriate awareness principles to support safer, more consistent practice

Assessment and certificate
The course takes approximately 1 hour to complete and carries 1 CPD point. It is written at Level 1 and is CPD accredited by the CPD Standards Office. Learners complete an end-of-course quiz and receive an instant CPD-accredited certificate after passing. The certificate can be downloaded or printed at home at no cost, and a hard copy can be requested. Unlimited quiz retakes are included.