Pediatric Tracheostomy Management for the SLP: Part 1

Presented by Jonathan Forfa

A healthcare professional examines a young girl’s throat as her mother sits beside her in a medbridge medical office.

Description

Providing specialized care for children with tracheostomies requires a deep understanding of the unique physiological and developmental differences inherent in the pediatric population. This course addresses the clinical practice gap in pediatric tracheostomy management by critically evaluating the current state of the science and providing evidence-based strategies for speech-language pathologists. Learners will explore the anatomical indications for tracheostomy in children versus adults, the mechanical components of various tubes, and the specific impact of a tracheostomy on laryngeal sensitivity and swallowing biomechanics. By integrating recent literature that challenges conventional wisdom regarding aspiration risk and speaking valves, the course prepares clinicians to safely progress their patients' communication and feeding skills. Participants will leave with a toolkit of multimodal communication options and a framework for individualized assessment that supports the patient’s journey from acute recovery to long-term management.

Instructor

Jonathan Forfa, MS, CCC-SLP

Jon Forfa, M.S., CCC-SLP, CNT?is a speech-language pathologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. He has a special interest in tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patients. Jon splits his time between caring for neonates in a level 4 NICU and consulting for the…

Read full bio

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze communication options for tracheostomy-dependent children.
  • Examine the potential impacts of tracheostomy dependence on swallowing.
  • Integrate evidence-based strategies for tracheostomy management into communication and swallowing assessment.
  • Analyze the differences between adult and pediatric tracheostomy assessment and treatment.

Agenda

All times in Eastern Time.

6:00pm–6:15pm
Chapter 1: Introduction to Tracheostomy
6:15pm–6:30pm
Chapter 2: Communication Options
6:30pm–6:40pm
Chapter 3: Literature Update
6:40pm–6:45pm
Break
6:45pm–7:00pm
Question and Answer Session

Medbridge is committed to accessibility for all of our subscribers. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact [email protected] . We will process requests for reasonable accommodation and will provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate, in a prompt and efficient manner.

Details

  • December 17, 2026
  • 6:00pm-7:00pm EST
    • SLPs, Intermediate
  • Register soon to secure your spot!

* Available December 17

Disclaimer

Disclosure: Jonathan Forfa, instructor for this educational event, receives compensation from Medbridge for this course. No one with the ability to control content has relevant relationship(s) to disclose.

Accreditation

Requirements

To receive CEU credit all disciplines must attend the webinar for the full duration, complete the quiz with a minimum score of 70%, and complete the participant survey.

"Live" CEUs

Even if this webinar is accredited for your discipline and location, it may not count as a “Live” CEU. of governing bodies that count our accredited webinars as “Live” CEUs.

Check Accreditation

How to Prepare