Course Instructor

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a nationally recognized leader in dysphagia diagnostics and clinical decision-making. As a Board-Certified Specialist (representing only 0.2% of the field) and an appointed member of the 2026 ASHA Convention Adult Swallowing Topic Committee, George is actively involved in establishing and advancing national standards of care. His clinical career is defined by a dual commitment: preserving the physiological safety and dignity of eating for medically complex patients, and providing the rigorous, objective diagnostic data required to guide clinical teams, and healthcare organizations through complex decisions.

Disclosures

Financial: George is receiving an honorarium for this presentation.

Non-financial: No relevant non-financial disclosures.

Description

Aspiration pneumonia is complex, and risk extends beyond the presence of dysphagia or aspiration alone. This course explores the pathophysiology of pneumonia, key distinctions between bacterial aspiration pneumonia and chemical pneumonitis, and the multifactorial factors that influence pneumonia risk. Participants will examine evidence-based approaches to risk assessment and management, including swallowing rehabilitation, oral infection control, functional status, host resistance, and interprofessional strategies. This course provides clinicians with practical tools to better identify risk and develop comprehensive, individualized plans for medically complex adults.

Learning Outcomes

Differentiate the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria of bacterial aspiration pneumonia from chemical pneumonitis and other lower respiratory tract infections.
Identify and analyze key multifactorial risk factors for aspiration pneumonia—including oral hygiene status, functional dependence, and host resistance—beyond the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia alone.
Select and apply research-based clinical evaluation tools to accurately stratify aspiration pneumonia risk in medically complex adults.
Develop an evidence-based management plan that integrates direct swallowing rehabilitation, oral infection control, and interprofessional risk-mitigation strategies.

Agenda

7:00 - 7:25 PM: What is pneumonia?

7:25 - 7:50 PM: How is aspiration pneumonia different?

7:50 - 8:20 PM: What are the best ways to assess risk?

8:20 - 8:45 PM: How can we help?

8:45 - 9:00 Conclusion and Q&A

Satisfactory Course Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the course, participants must attend the entire live event and submit the post-course survey.

Course Information

Registration Link