Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2019 Jan;54(1):41-49. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12429. Epub 2018 Oct 26.
There is increasing recognition that dysphagia has significant implications for a person's psychological well-being, social participation and quality of life (QOL). However, a paucity of research exists regarding the clinical management of this area. To inform future research and the development of appropriate and beneficial resources and guidelines, a better understanding of the current practice of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in this area would be useful. This information will highlight current challenges to clinical practice and the ongoing development needs of the profession, which are, as of yet, undocumented.
To determine the practices of SLTs when addressing QOL issues in individuals with dysphagia, the beliefs of SLTs regarding the impact of dysphagia on QOL, the current trends in assessing and managing QOL in dysphagia, and if variations in beliefs and practices in this area exist.
METHODS & PROCEDURES: An anonymous cross-sectional, non-experimental survey study was used. The survey consisted of 18 questions exploring participants' beliefs and opinions regarding dysphagia and QOL, current clinical practice in the area, perceived facilitators and barriers, and education, training and development needs. The survey was created on Survey Monkey and disseminated by e-mail link to SLT professional bodies. Purposive and snowball sampling were used and participants self-selected based on the information provided alongside the e-mail link. Inclusion criteria for the study were a qualification in speech and language therapy, proficiency in the English language, and access to a computer with the internet.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A total of 148 SLTs working across the UK, Ireland and South Africa completed the survey. Over 90% of respondents believe that dysphagia has a negative impact on QOL, but only 25% are currently satisfied with the amount of clinical time they can dedicate to this area. Staffing, resources, a lack of best-practice guidelines and disease-specific QOL assessment tools were cited as contributing factors. A number of facilitators and barriers to best practice were also highlighted. Based on these findings, professional development actions for the future are suggested.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: SLTs believe they have an important role to play in supporting QOL issues in dysphagia. However, it is reported that the area is currently under-developed, under-resourced and under-supported. Increased awareness raising of the role of SLT, alongside the development of best-practice guidelines and disease-specific QOL assessment tools, will enhance the quality of care that can be offered in this area.
人们越来越认识到，吞咽困难对一个人的心理健康、社会参与和生活质量（QOL）有重大影响。然而，关于该领域的临床管理，研究甚少。为了为未来的研究提供信息，并为制定适当和有益的资源和指南提供信息，了解言语治疗师（SLTs）在这一领域的当前实践将是有益的。这些信息将突出目前临床实践面临的挑战以及该专业尚未记录的持续发展需求。
确定 SLTs 在解决吞咽困难患者的生活质量问题时的做法、SLTs 对吞咽困难对生活质量影响的看法、当前评估和管理吞咽困难生活质量的趋势，以及在这一领域是否存在信念和实践的差异。
采用匿名横断面非实验性调查研究。该调查由 18 个问题组成，探讨了参与者对吞咽困难和生活质量的看法和意见、该领域的当前临床实践、感知的促进因素和障碍，以及教育、培训和发展需求。该调查是在 Survey Monkey 上创建的，并通过电子邮件链接分发给言语治疗师专业团体。采用了目的性抽样和滚雪球抽样，参与者根据电子邮件链接提供的信息自行选择参加。研究的纳入标准是具有言语治疗资格、精通英语，并且可以使用带互联网的计算机。
共有 148 名在英国、爱尔兰和南非工作的 SLTs 完成了这项调查。超过 90%的受访者认为吞咽困难对生活质量有负面影响，但只有 25%的人对他们可以投入到这一领域的临床时间感到满意。人员配备、资源、缺乏最佳实践指南和特定疾病的生活质量评估工具被认为是促成因素。还强调了一些促进和阻碍最佳实践的因素。基于这些发现，提出了未来的专业发展行动。
SLTs 认为他们在支持吞咽困难的生活质量问题方面发挥着重要作用。然而，据报道，该领域目前发展不足、资源不足且支持不足。提高 SLT 作用的认识，以及制定最佳实践指南和特定疾病的生活质量评估工具，将提高该领域能够提供的护理质量。
