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Developing a dysphagia program in an acute care hospital: a needs assessment
1Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, New York 14642.
Dysphagia
|January 1, 1990
Summary
A hospital needs assessment revealed that 28% of stroke patients have dysphagia (swallowing disorders). Implementing a multidisciplinary dysphagia program can improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Stroke patients frequently experience swallowing disorders (dysphagia).
- Existing hospital protocols may not adequately address the complexities of dysphagia in stroke survivors.
- The impact of dysphagia on patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a needs assessment for a hospital-based dysphagia program.
- To determine the incidence, management, and outcomes of dysphagia in stroke patients.
- To evaluate the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary dysphagia management program.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of 225 stroke patients was performed.
- Data collected included documented dysphagia, functional status, medical complications, communication abilities, and feeding methods.
- Hospital length of stay and discharge feeding needs were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 28% of reviewed stroke patients had documented dysphagia.
- Dysphagia significantly correlated with increased functional problems, medical complications, and need for feeding modifications.
- Dysphagic patients experienced longer hospital stays and communication deficits, including aphasia and dysarthria.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of stroke patients suffer from dysphagia, leading to adverse outcomes.
- A multidisciplinary dysphagia management program is recommended to enhance patient care.
- Such a program has the potential to decrease healthcare delivery costs for hospitals.