Oropharyngeal dysphagia--the need for effective management

Increasing international recognition of the high incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia has incited Speech and Language Therapists to establish a service for the management of this life-threatening disorder. This study evaluates the first such Irish service instigated in St. James's Hospital four years ago. Retrospective analysis of Speech and Language Therapy departmental records for a twelve month period examined incidence of referral for dysphagia, subsequent clinical and objective assessment findings and management recommendations. A referral rate of 52% emerged with a mean of 74 years. CVA was found to be the commonest etiology. Therapeutic intervention was implemented with 68% of dysphagic subjects considered suitable candidates and improvement evidenced in 78% of treated cases. These results highlight the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in a neurologically impaired Irish adult population and the efficacy of a dysphagia service in its management, while categorically stating the need for such service provision nationwide.