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Dysphagia: the management and detection of a disabling problem
1Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust, Faculty of Health and Social Care Science, Kingston University/St George's Hospital Medical School, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|April 3, 2002
Summary
Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, impacts many patients and can lead to serious health issues. Nurses play a vital role in managing dysphagia through collaborative, individualized care programs.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Dysphagia is a common swallowing difficulty affecting patients in acute and community settings.
- It stems from neuromuscular or mechanical issues and has varied prognoses.
- Consequences include dehydration, malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and psychosocial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on screening, assessment, and management of dysphagia.
- To highlight the role of nurses in dysphagia interventions.
- To identify gaps in the knowledge base.
Main Methods:
- Review of current best evidence regarding dysphagia management.
- Analysis of the nursing contribution to multidisciplinary dysphagia programs.
Main Results:
- Nurses are crucial in multiprofessional, tailored dysphagia management programs.
- These programs show clear patient benefits.
- Variable quality of evidence exists for current best practices.
Conclusions:
- Dysphagia requires comprehensive management involving multiprofessional collaboration.
- Nursing interventions are key to improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed on psychosocial impacts and specific treatment strategies, particularly concerning nursing contributions.