Supporting Safe Swallowing of Care Home Residents with Dysphagia: How Does the Care Delivered Compare with Guidance from Speech and Language Therapists?
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| Title: | Supporting Safe Swallowing of Care Home Residents with Dysphagia: How Does the Care Delivered Compare with Guidance from Speech and Language Therapists? |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Hannah Griffin (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2024 59(4):1478-1488. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Motor Reactions, Eating Disorders, Aphasia, Residential Care, Institutionalized Persons, Speech Language Pathology, Speech Therapy, Allied Health Personnel, Food, Safety, Foods Instruction |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.13015 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Dysphagia affects up to 70% of care home residents, increasing morbidity and hospital admissions. Speech and language therapists make recommendations to support safe nutrition but have limited capacity to offer ongoing guidance. This study aimed to understand if recommendations made to support safe and effective care are implemented and how these relate to the actual care delivered. Methods: Eleven mealtimes with residents with dysphagia were observed during 2020 using a tool capturing 12 elements of expected practice. Staff actions during mealtimes were compared with adherence to residents' care plans and speech and language therapist recommendations. Results: Written recommendations predominantly focused on food and fluid modification. Observations (n = 66) revealed food texture, posture, and alertness were adhered to on 90% of occasions, but alternating food and drink, prompting and ensuring swallow completed adherence was less than 60%. Thickened fluids frequently did not align with required International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative levels. Nutrition care provided in the dining room was less safe due to a lack of designated supervision. Conclusion: Care homes need to be supported to establish a safe swallowing culture to improve residents' safety and care experience. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1431140 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Dysphagia affects up to 70% of care home residents, increasing morbidity and hospital admissions. Speech and language therapists make recommendations to support safe nutrition but have limited capacity to offer ongoing guidance. This study aimed to understand if recommendations made to support safe and effective care are implemented and how these relate to the actual care delivered. Methods: Eleven mealtimes with residents with dysphagia were observed during 2020 using a tool capturing 12 elements of expected practice. Staff actions during mealtimes were compared with adherence to residents' care plans and speech and language therapist recommendations. Results: Written recommendations predominantly focused on food and fluid modification. Observations (n = 66) revealed food texture, posture, and alertness were adhered to on 90% of occasions, but alternating food and drink, prompting and ensuring swallow completed adherence was less than 60%. Thickened fluids frequently did not align with required International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative levels. Nutrition care provided in the dining room was less safe due to a lack of designated supervision. Conclusion: Care homes need to be supported to establish a safe swallowing culture to improve residents' safety and care experience. |
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| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.13015 |
