Strengthening the SLP-registered dietician collab

October 30, 2025

When I was a new SLP, I had a patient with dysphagia. I carefully conducted the clinical swallowing evaluation, talked to the patient and their family about how the dysphagia was impacting their life, completed an MBSS using a standardized approach and considered the pathophysiology identified… then recommended a diet that included texture modification and thickened liquids short term.

I discussed these recommendations with the patient and then I asked if they had any questions.

“Well, yes. How will this impact my diabetes? And if I am pureeing things won’t that mean I am taking in more fluid? I have to be careful about that because of my kidney disease.”

I was a little flustered, but then I realized the best answer was:

“You know what, those are great questions, and I don’t know. But we have a really nice registered dietician here that can help and I will get a consult before we move forward.”

I realized that I probably could have collaborated with the registered dietician (RD) earlier in the process… and after that I made it a habit to talk to the RD more often about issues just like these.

As clinicians, we often are thinking of collaboration with Radiologists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, as well as GIs and ENTs. But when it comes to interdisciplinary teamwork with RDs, a recent work by Ed M. Bice, MEd, CCC-SLP, Kristine Galek, Ph.D., CCC-SLP and Alicia Vose, PhD, CCC-SLP showed that around 40% of the SLPs that responded reported that they had NEVER or RARELY consulted a registered dietician prior to making a diet recommendation.¹ Eeek!

A bright point: SLPs that had previously taken a course on the impact of diet modifications were 2.4× more likely to get that consult.¹

And so, I thought I would share here some resources to get us thinking about why we might want to collaborate with an RD!

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) organization has a full complement of video webinars, several of which focus on altered diet textures and interdisciplinary considerations, all with excellent information and outstanding speakers. You can access them at no cost here.

This systemic review of the evidence on the impact of use of thickened liquids in adults by Sophia Werden Abrams, PhD(C), SLP Reg. CASLPO, Pooja Gandhi, and Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald provides an excellent look at the literature and what the evidence shows us we need to consider when recommending thickened liquids. You can access this comprehensive work here.

Check out this excellent webinar by Dr. Memorie Gosa, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT on diet texture modification in pediatrics. The current evidence and impact of thickened liquids is discussed and she provides some outstanding resources to consider. This course is a recorded session from an online conference offered by ASHA in 2023, and if you subscribe to the ASHA Learning Pass, it is included with your subscription. More details on the course can be found here.

And since we are getting close to the end of the year and we all need a few more professional development hours, here is a FANTASTIC in-depth course from SpeechTherapyPD – you can earn 4.5 ASHA CEs, and it features an interdisciplinary panel of Samantha Shune, PhD, CCC-SLP, Reva Barewal, DDS, MS, and Victoria DiBiasi, MS, RD, CNSC, CSO, CDN. These speakers talk not only about the medical impact of altered diet textures, but also the social and emotional considerations – truly well-rounded and well-presented. You can access more information here.

Pediatric Craniofacial Anomalies & Feeding and Swallowing

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INDICATIONS AND USAGE | IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ENTERO VU™ (barium sulfate) oral suspension, 24% w/v

INDICATION:
Liquid E-Z-PAQUE (barium sulfate) oral suspension is indicated in adults and pediatrics for use in single contrast radiographic examinations of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel to visualize the gastrointestinal tract (GI).

CONTRAINDICATIONS
ENTERO VU is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected perforation of the GI tract, known obstruction of the GI tract, high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis, high risk of aspiration such as those with known or suspected tracheo-esophageal fistula or obtundation, or known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients.

VARIBAR^® (barium sulfate)

INDICATIONS
VARIBAR^® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension, VARIBAR^® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension, and VARIBAR^® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) oral suspension are radiographic contrast agents indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients.

VARIBAR^® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension and VARIBAR® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste are radiographic contrast agents indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients 6 months of age and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
These products should not be used in patients with known or suspected perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; known obstruction of the GI tract; high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis; high risk of aspiration such as those with known or suspected tracheo-esophageal fistula or obtundation; known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of the product used.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions Barium sulfate preparations contain a number of excipients, including natural and artificial flavors, and may induce serious hypersensitivity reactions. The manifestations include hypotension, bronchospasm and other respiratory impairments, and dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, food allergies, or a previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for hypersensitivity reactions. Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction.

Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage The use of VARIBAR PRODUCTS is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract. Administration of VARIBAR PRODUCTS may result in leakage of barium from the GI tract in the presence of conditions such as carcinomas, GI fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach. The barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.

Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit and Obstruction Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with feces) and may lead to abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or rarely perforation. Patients with the following conditions are at higher risk for developing obstruction or baroliths: severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, impaired GI motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low residue diet, taking medications that delay GI motility, constipation, pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly. To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration after the barium sulfate procedure. When administering VARIBAR PUDDING, consider the administration of laxatives.

Aspiration Pneumonitis The use of VARIBAR PRODUCTS is contraindicated in patients with trachea-esophageal fistula. Oral administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis. In patients at risk for aspiration, begin the procedure with a small ingested volume of VARIBAR PRODUCTS. Monitor the patient closely for aspiration, discontinue administration of VARIBAR PRODUCTS if aspiration is suspected, and monitor for development of aspiration pneumonitis.

Systemic Embolization Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the GI tract and enter the circulation as a "barium embolus" leading to potentially fatal complications which include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration of a barium sulfate suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste.

VARIBAR is manufactured by E-Z-EM Canada Inc., for E-Z-EM, Inc., a subsidiary of Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540.

VARIBAR is a registered trademark of E-Z-EM, Inc.

Strengthening the SLP-registered dietician collab

October 30, 2025

In our next look at unique patient journeys, I thought I would share some resources on feeding and swallowing in pediatric craniofacial anomalies. I had been thinking of sharing resources in this area for a little while now, and since July is recognized as National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, this seemed like the perfect time! Working with these kiddos can be so very rewarding, but it also requires a specialized skill set and a comprehensive approach.

If this is a new topic area for you, a great place to start is this 2016 article in the ASHA Perspectives by Claire Kane Miller, PhD, MHA, CCC-SLP and Lauren Madhoun PHD, CCC-SLP, “Feeding and Swallowing Issues in Infants With Craniofacial Anomalies.” This article is a comprehensive look at the subject and offers an overview of terminology, types of anomalies, and descriptions of equipment. (Please note that this article is 10 years old, so I would suggest reaching out the manufacturers listed to check for updates/more information on equipment!) If you love the topic and want to dig into the science a little further, check out “Breast Milk Feeding Practices and Barriers and Supports Experienced by Mother–Infant Dyads With Cleft Lip and/or Palate” by Dr. Madhoun.

These particular patients require support by an interdisciplinary team (well, all patients do, but the collaborative approach is especially intense here) and a webinar that really highlights this can be found on the website of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. “Craniofacial Disorders and Feeding-Swallowing: A Collaborative Approach Across the Continuum of Care” features Brenda Thompson, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, Brian Pann, MD, and Angelo A. Leto Barone, MD. It’s just $29 (cheaper for ABSSD affiliates), and discusses this team approach as well as considerations for feeding and take-home strategies.

For a wonderful resource on this relationship, you really must check out the website of Dr. James Curtis, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S. An Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell and the Principal Investigator/Director of the Aerodigestive Innovations Research (AIR) Lab, Dr. Curtis investigates voice, cough, and swallowing. His website, found here, offers some excellent information on these mechanisms. Make sure to check out the tutorials on cough: they offer not only an overview of why we should be considering cough assessment and treatment, but also specifics on how to go about implementation.

I cannot offer resources on cough without mentioning Dr. Michelle Troche, PhD, CCC-SLP! Dr. Troche is a Professor and Program Director at Columbia University, she also directs the Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction. She has MANY contributions to this topic in our field, but there one in particular I wanted to share: A webinar from The University of Wisconsin Division of Otolaryngology offers a Voice & Swallow Clinic Lecture Series. (I have mentioned this outstanding resource before!) The webinar is from a few years ago, and the free recording is available here. This particular webinar is no longer available for ASHA CEs but can be used as PDH (Professional development hours). There IS a current webinar in the series on cough management by Jacob Tangney, MS, CCC-SLP that is still available for ASHA CEs. (You will need to create a registration with the series to obtain credit.)

Bonus: If you would like some more information from Dr. Troche, here is a recording of a recent webinar from Aspire Medical in which she discusses Expiratory Muscle Strength Training via telehealth. You can see it here.

Finally, if you want a really great look at the literature, this comprehensive review by Dr. Justine Dallal-York (and the aforementioned Dr. Troche) is for you! The literature review, published in 2024, is open access, so you can download it as pdf or read it online in its entirety here.

So there you have it! I would love to know if you are currently incorporating cough assessment and/or treatment in your practice! Let me know here!

INDICATIONS AND USAGE | IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use in cases of known or suspected esophageal obstruction or to dislodge foreign bodies. Do not use more than the maximum recommended dosage in 24‐hour period. Do not use the maximum dosage of this product for more than two weeks, except under the advice and supervision of a physician.

Talk Soon,

Reference:

1. Bice EM, Galek KE, Vose AK. A survey of speech pathologist practice patterns for consulting
  registered dieticians when recommending diet alterations. Speech, Language and Hearing.
  2021;25(1):59-67. https://doi.org/10.1080/2050571X.2021.1940789

US-VARH-2500013 11/25