TIMS University Webinar
Beyond the Valve
March 31st at 8:00 PM EST | 0.1 ASHA CEUS / 1 PDH
Course Instructor
Rachael Silveira, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Rachael Silveira, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders practicing at a Level 1 Trauma and Transplant Center in Miami, Florida. She specializes in dysphagia management within medically complex populations, with advanced expertise in tracheostomy care, artificial airways, and respiratory-compromised patients. Rachael leads and develops SLP-driven multidisciplinary tracheostomy initiatives focused on early intervention, airway readiness, decannulation pathways, and system-wide quality improvement. Her work integrates clinical excellence, research, and education to improve patient outcomes and caregiver confidence. She has presented nationally on SLP-led tracheostomy models and is passionate about advancing the role of speech-language pathologists in acute care through mentorship, innovation, and evidence-based practice.
Financial Disclosures
Rachael is receiving an honorarium for this presentation. She is the owner of Badge Buddies and Trach Talks.
Non-Financial Disclosures
No non-financial disclosures to report.
Course Information
Description
Beyond the Valve frames tracheostomy management through a readiness-based lens, challenging the assumption that speaking valve tolerance equates to progression. This session reviews tracheostomy fundamentals and supporting literature before exploring how SLP-driven interventions—including inline valve use, FEES, RMST, and capping—function as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Overall, the course will review how to safely advance airway, swallow, and communication outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
Describe why tracheostomy progression is not linear and why a dedicated team is most effective.
Identify SLP-driven interventions (including inline speaking valve use, FEES, EMST, and capping) that support functional airway progression in patients with tracheostomies.
Apply a readiness-based framework to interpret airway, swallow, and communication data in order to guide safe tracheostomy progression and decannulation planning.
Integrate evidence-based tracheostomy team practices to reduce variability in care and improve functional outcomes across the airway–swallow–voice continuum.
Agenda
8:00-8:04 - Intro/Disclosures/Objectives
8:05 - 8:07 - Tracheostomy Progression
8:08 - 8:12 - Trach Team Purpose/Definition and Direct Effects
8:13 - 8:15 - SLP’s Role
8:16 - 8:19 - Applying Clinical Judgement for Readiness
8:20 - 8:40 - SLP’s Role for Airway, Swallowing, and Communication Readiness Concepts
8:41 - 8:46 - Individual Expertise to System Reliability
8:47 - 8:50 - Final Thoughts
8:51 - 8:53 - Conclusions/References
8:54 - 9:00 - Q&A
Satisfactory Course Completion Requirements
To successfully complete the course, participants must attend the entire live event and submit the post-course survey.
