Research trends on dysphagia among Korean older adults in long-term care facilities: A scoping review

This scoping review aimed to identify the research trends for dysphagia among older Korean adults in long-term care facilities.

A literature search was performed using Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, ScienceON, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PubMed. A total of 1,395 articles were identified, and 10 articles were selected for the final analysis. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and extraction using pre-tested forms to confirm those for final inclusion.

Most of the studies were published between 2011 and 2014. The quasi-experimental design was most frequently applied. The Gugging Swallowing Screen was the most widely used assessment tool. All studies, including dysphagia intervention programs, involved oral and facial exercise programs. In addition, they all used swallowing-related outcome variables to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Additional studies on dysphagia among older Korean adults in long-term care facilities should be conducted, and various interventions and assessment tools should be developed and implemented. This study is anticipated to establish a fundamental foundation for further dysphagia-related research and help improve the quality of life of Korean older adults in long-term care.