Prevalence of self-reported voice and swallowing complaints in an outpatient geriatric population

Older adults suffer from increased rates of dysphagia and dysphonia, both of which have a profound effect on quality of life and are often underdiagnosed. We sought to better understand the prevalence of these complaints and the potential utility of a patient-reported screening program in a geriatrics clinic.

Using an IRB-approved cross-sectional survey and retrospective cohort design, we recruited participants from a population of new patients seeking care at an academic geriatrics clinic. We used three validated questionnaires to assess self-reported dysphagia, dysphonia, and pill dysphagia: the Eating-Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), and the PILL-5. Patients who screened positive on any questionnaire were offered referral to a laryngologist for additional evaluation. Patients who screened positive on the PILL-5 were also offered referral to our geriatric pharmacist.

Among our 300 patients surveyed, the mean age was 76 (SD 8.46). A total of 82 (27.3%) patients screened positive (73 on EAT-10, 10 on PILL-5, 13 on VHI-10) and were offered referral, of which 36 accepted. These positive screening patients took more prescription medications (p = .024) and had a higher GDS score (p < .001) when compared to the patients who screened negative.

Many new patients seeking generalized care at our center screened positively for dysphagia and/or dysphonia on validated questionnaires. Geriatric patients may benefit from integrating screening for these disorders to identify the need of further evaluation. It is unknown if these survey tools are appropriate in a non-otolaryngology clinic.

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