5/16/2026 - 5/16/2026
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Pacific

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Jo Puntil, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a highly respected leader in the field of Speech-Pathology, with specialized expertise in Swallowing, Communication, and Cognition disorders in the Intensive Care setting. As an ASHA Fellow and former chair of the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC), she has made significant contributions to clinical practice, professional standards and interdisciplinary care for her profession.
 
Jo has an extensive background in national/international lecturing and has a strong presence on platforms like MedBridge and TIMS, where she offers several educational courses. With over 35 years of experience, she has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs focusing on critical and acute care settings.  Her numerous honors and publications reflect a deep dedication to advancing knowledge and clinical practice in acute care, making her a valuable resource for both clinicians and researchers in the field.

This course explores the evolving and essential role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in the intensive care unit (ICU), emphasizing their impact on patient outcomes through early intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration. As ICU practices increasingly focus on reducing length of stay, mortality, and co-morbidities, SLPs are uniquely positioned to address complications related to prolonged intubation, sedation, and delirium. Participants will learn how early involvement in swallowing, communication, and cognitive support can help mitigate the effects of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) and promote improved recovery trajectories.
 
The course will examine the integration of ICU bundles—particularly the A-F bundle—and highlight the SLP’s role in managing medically complex patients, including those on high-flow oxygen. Practical strategies will be provided for assessing delirium, implementing post-extubation swallow screens, and making critical decisions aligned with patient goals of care. Special attention will be given to pre- and post-operative swallow screening for cardiovascular surgical patients, reinforcing the importance of early and ongoing evaluation.
 
Additionally, the course will showcase novel treatment approaches used by SLPs in the ICU, including innovative communication strategies for intubated patients (e.g., pharyngeal electrical stimulation, RMST), cognitive-linguistic interventions, and individualized swallowing therapies. The importance of educating ICU nurses and family members to support cognitive and emotional recovery will be emphasized, equipping participants to advocate for and implement cutting-edge, patient-centered speech pathology care in critical settings. By the end of the session, attendees will have a deeper understanding of the vital contributions of Speech Pathology in the ICU and leave with practical tools and insights to enhance communication, cognition, and overall recovery for critically ill patients.

Instructional Level:   Intermediate                        Target Audience:   Speech language Pathologists
. 
Learner Objectives:

1. Identify the 6 key components of the A-F ICU Bundle
2. Differentiate at least 2 differences between hypoactive and hyperactive delirium and what the Speech Pathologist can do to assist in the patient’s recovery.
3. Analyze the appropriate time to screen for swallowing post extubation.
4. Distinguish the timing and goal for a clinical swallowing evaluation for respiratory compromised patients
5. Describe the SLP’s role in educating/counseling patients and care partners in the ICU environment

Continental Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

8 -8:30 - Continental Breakfast & Registration
8:30 - Course begins
60 minutes - ICU Team, roles and responsibilities, prevalence of patient’s morbidity and mortality
60 minutes -  A-F bundle and the Role of the Speech Pathologist, what does delirium have to do with anything? 
15 minute break
60 minutes - Speech and Swallow Evaluation in the ICU what do we cover, when to we get involved.
30 minute lunch
60 minutes -:Case Studies of Clinical Decision Making: To eat or not to Eat that is the question
15 minute break
60 minutes -  Novel Treatment in the ICU, what can we do to help patients.  
45  minutes - Mentoring ICU staff, education to staff, families, 
15 minutes -  Q and A
3:30 pm course conclusion

Special Requests
We encourage participation by all individuals.  If you have a disability or other special requests (visual, hearing, physical, etc.), please indicate your request in the designated section included in registration process. We will do our best to accommodate you, please allow a minimum of 14 days notice to allow us time to process your request.   

Refund Policy
Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email. Requests made more than 10 business days prior to course date will be subject to an administration fee of $15 of the registration fee if an additional cost is associated with the course.  Membership fees will not be refunded if member is not able to attend conferences that are included with annual fee.  Refund requests made less than 10 business days prior to any course that requires an additional fee for the course are subject to a $25 administrative fee.  This is to cover the costs associated with the course that have already been accrued based on preregistration.  No refunds for non-attendance will be issued on the day of, or after, the conference.

Cancellation Policy
If MSCC cancels a course that requires an additional registration fee, all members who have prepaid for the course will be refunded the registration fee in the form of the original payment within 30 business days of the cancellation of the course.   MSCC membership fee will not be refunded.

Satisfaction Guarantee & Complaint Policy
MSCC’s continuing education offerings are designed to help professionals achieve improved performance and results in all areas.  If for any reason you are not satisfied with the content and material presented, we encourage you to file a complaint via the process outlined on our website within 30 days of the completion of the course.  Click Here for Policy

Content Disclosures
The content of this course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area above.

Sutter Roseville Medical Center
1 Medical Plaza Dr.
Roseville, CA 95661

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5/16/2026 - 5/16/2026

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