“I gained a better clinical understanding of embryologic organ system development and how it can lead to congenital anomalies. I also learned the importance of choosing our words when giving difficult information to parents. For example, I need to use “there is a possibility of” vs. “risk of” or “significant” vs. “severe” or “poor,” and I need to share “important” news vs. “bad” news.” - Anne M Tully, OTR/L
“Excellent presentation! Embryologic development is not generally taught this way in graduate school coursework, but it is very important for clinical practice. So good!” – Audrey (Brie) Latimore, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, NTMTC
Speaker: Louisa Ferrara-Gonzalez, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, NTMTC
Course Title: Featured Course: Cells, and Embryos, and Fetuses Oh My! Demystifying Embryologic and Fetal Development
Course Description: Trying to navigate the terminology, timelines, and processes that occur early in development can be an arduous task. Thankfully, this course will serve as your “Yellow Brick Road” as you journey to improve your understanding of Embryological and Fetal development. Neonatal therapists with a strong grasp of early development can have a better appreciation of anatomy, physiology, and developmental anomalies. For example, if you are treating an infant with a cleft palate, diaphragmatic hernia, or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), what does it mean? Is there a reason for this anomaly? If that part of the infant did not form properly, what else may have not formed properly? And most importantly, how can you explain to the parents why this happened and what the implications are for the infant?
This course will provide the learner with easy-to-follow information, heavy use of visual aids, and fun acronyms to help answer clinical questions with more confidence. By following the “Yellow Brick Road” developed for this lecture, the audience will learn the basics of organ system development while staying focused on diagnoses that are often encountered in the NICU. Additional resources will be provided for those who wish to venture off the road at a later time. Topics to be covered include: common terminology, classification of embryonic and fetal periods, how they relate to trimesters, gestational age and prematurity; and explanation of what structures are developed when.
This course will conclude with a case study to highlight the clinical relevance of a congenital anomaly diagnosis and how to apply the knowledge of embryonic/fetal development into clinical practice. This case study will also demonstrate how to support the infant’s family through the guilt, anxiety and anger that may accompany a surprising diagnosis, in a trauma-informed, compassionate, and family-centered way.
Target Audience: OT, SLP, PT, RN, MD, and Neonatal professionals
Level: Intermediate
CE Credit: PT, OT, SLP – 1 hour
Course Fee: $57 or FREE for NANT Members
Objectives
- Identify 3 congenital anomalies and the gestational age in which it was likely acquired.
- Construct the timeline for the fetal development of at least 1 major organ system.
- List 3 strategies to support parents of infants with congenital anomalies.
Instructional Method: Lecture, case studies, and recorded question and answer session. Learning assessment and course evaluation follow the course.
“I appreciated the breakdown of the fetal development timeline and the description of the types of issues that can arise with atypical development at each stage. I also loved the reminder that we can bring comfort and encouragement to parents about the guilt associated with a diagnosis.” - Megan Martino, MOT, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC, CLC
“Important topic! I appreciated the detailed review of fetal development and especially the early gestational ages when many congenital anomalies occur. Engaging speaker!” – Kate Dobson-Brown, OT Reg (Ont)
