In the realm of speech-language pathology, data-driven decisions are crucial for improving patient outcomes. The recent study titled "Dysphagia and Oral Health Concerns in Long-Term Care," published in the Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, offers valuable insights into the prevalence and management of dysphagia and oral health issues in long-term care (LTC) settings. As practitioners, we can leverage these findings to enhance our practice and advocate for better care protocols.
Key Findings
The study highlights several critical issues:
- High prevalence of dysphagia and oral health concerns, such as missing teeth and periodontitis, among LTC residents.
- Overreliance on texture-modified diets (TMDs), which are associated with increased risks of malnutrition, dehydration, and reduced quality of life.
- Limited knowledge of swallowing disorders among frontline LTC staff.
- Rare use of instrumental swallowing evaluations and professional oral health assessments.
Implications for Practice
To improve outcomes for children and other residents in LTC, practitioners should consider the following recommendations based on the study's findings:
- Education and Training: Enhance the training of LTC staff on the identification and management of dysphagia and oral health issues. This can include workshops, in-service training, and continuous education programs.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Advocate for the inclusion of speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) in LTC interprofessional teams. S-LPs can provide comprehensive management of swallowing impairments and reduce the overuse of TMDs.
- Instrumental Assessments: Increase the use of instrumental swallowing evaluations, such as videofluoroscopic or endoscopic swallowing studies, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate interventions.
- Oral Health Assessments: Facilitate regular professional oral health assessments to address dental issues promptly and prevent complications like aspiration pneumonia.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of improved training and interprofessional collaboration on patient outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate research projects that investigate these areas.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Dysphagia and Oral Health Concerns in Long-Term Care.
