Compensatory Management and Treatment in Dysphagia

Huckabee, Maggie‐Lee; Hughes, L. E.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_54

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Rehabilitation aims to restore the functionality of the swallow through targeted exercises, while compensation uses strategies to protect the airway during eating and drinking (Cichero 2006). Compensatory strategies provide a scaffold to a safer swallow by reducing the complexity of the swallowing task (Huckabee and Hughes 2013). Some strategies require direct input from the person with dysphagia, such as manipulating their posture or head placement while swallowing to redirect the bolus safely (Cichero 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dysphagia and mealtime difficulties in dementia: Speech and language therapists’ practices and perspectives

Egan

Andrews

Lowit

2020

Intl J Lang & Comm Disor

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Background There is increasing recognition of the impact that dementia has upon swallowing and at mealtimes, and the significant effect this can have on people with dementia's health and well‐being. However, there remains a paucity of evidence for assessment and intervention practices for dysphagia and mealtime difficulties. Furthermore, there is a limited understanding of how speech and language therapists (SLTs) support people with these dementia‐related issues and what are the barriers and facilitators to practice. Further research is therefore needed to guide policy as well as service guideline and delivery development. Aims To establish the current practices of SLTs managing dementia‐related dysphagia and mealtime difficulties in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI), and to establish their opinions and experiences of what challenges or supports to practice they have encountered. Methods & Procedures An anonymous, cross‐sectional web‐based survey was developed and distributed to SLTs working in the UK and ROI. Respondents completed a questionnaire that consisted of open and closed questions across nine topic areas. Closed responses were evaluated using descriptive statistics; open‐ended questions were analysed using conventional content analysis. Outcomes & Results A total of 310 people accessed the survey, and 125 respondents completed it fully. While respondents agreed on their role in dysphagia management, they varied in their views on the extent of their role in managing mealtime difficulties. Additionally, their self‐rated knowledge of mealtime difficulties in dementia was lower than their dysphagia knowledge. The respondents predominantly based their management decisions on their clinical experience of working with people with dementia. They primarily used compensatory strategies and frequently cited the need for family and care staff training. Respondents also highlighted barriers to effective management and training provision such as inefficient referral systems, a lack of carer knowledge and lack of SLT resources. Conclusions & Implications The results provide valuable insight into the issues facing SLTs practising in this area. The SLTs surveyed considered dysphagia a core part of their role when supporting people with dementia; however, respondents’ views on mealtime difficulties varied. This highlights the need to establish consensus guidelines on the SLT's role in order to avoid variations in service delivery that could negatively impact the health and well‐being of people with dementia. Moreover, further research to develop efficient and effective training for care staff supporting mealtime difficulties and dysphagia is essential.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%