Aspace Catalunya's speech therapists, Gemma Mayral and Victoria Pascuas, have attended a Conference on the Care of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Neurodiversity at Palamós Hospital.
El Food and Swallowing Working Group of the Federation of Cerebral Palsy and the Multiple Disabilities of Catalonia (FEPCCAT), of which the speech therapists are part, shares new practices to progressively achieve better tools and work objectives. One of the main goals of the group is to promote networking knowledge and establish collaborations between professionals to address the challenges of dysphagia. It is for this reason that speech therapists Gemma Mayral and Victoria Easter have visited the Palamós Hospital Rehabilitation Service, where they had the opportunity to get to know their innovations in the treatment of dysphagia up close.
This meeting has allowed strengthen the network of professionals, which aims to consolidate a community dedicated to research, advanced technology and the development of new techniques to improve the quality of life of people with dysphagia.
The day was very enriching for the professionals, offering a complete and practical experience. During the visit, they have been able to witness live videofluoroscopies with patients, a unique opportunity to observe first-hand the techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. They have also explored the Hospital Kitchen Service, where they are used advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to adapt food to the needs of patients with swallowing difficulties.
In addition, they have had the privilege of meeting the “Be Water” project, a pioneering initiative jointly developed by Palamós Hospital and Can Roca Winery. A project that seeks to improve the quality of life of patients with swallowing problems through innovative solutions that integrate gastronomy and health.
The entities that have participated together with the Asapce Catalunya Foundation have been the Espiga Foundation of Vilafranca del Penedès; Balmes Institution, from Sant Boi de Llobregat; Prodis Foundation, from Terrassa; APPC La Muntanyeta, from Tarragona.
To sum up, this day has represented another step towards progress in the care of people with swallowing difficulties, thanks to the collaboration between experts from different fields. The professionals have enjoyed a very enriching experience that has allowed them to learn about different ways of working and management of other specialized units, while at the same time they have been able to verify the importance of interdisciplinary work to offer comprehensive care. They have also seen how the introduction of artificial intelligence, applied in a respectful way, can bring great benefits when merged with gastronomy and health.
This exchange allows us continue to improve the quality of the service at the swallowing and nutrition unit (UDN) of Fundació Aspace, strengthening our network of professionals and consolidating our commitment to technological innovation and research.
