Working with dysphagia in individuals with dementia : speech language pathologists' perspective

Abstract

This research investigates the speech language pathologists‟ (SLPs‟) perspectives when working with individuals having dysphagia and dementia. The aim of this study is to investigate the services provided by SLPs to people with dementia and dysphagia. A total of forty-two SLPs completed a questionnaire which was the main tool used for data collection, while eight of whom took part in a structured interview. The questionnaire was completed online using Google Forms. Findings indicated that cognition is essential during intervention since it determines the form of intervention chosen by the SLP. Different tests are available for SLPs in various work settings. The individual‟s physical and mental abilities have an effect on his or her eligibility for the administration of specific tests. There is a scarcity of available evaluation protocols for SLPs. Clients and their relatives are more likely to display a lack of cooperation than other health care professionals. Results also showed that there is a lack of staff complement in workplaces, which will impact different factors such as prioritising life-threatening situations, clients‟ and SLPs‟ well-being and quality of life. Clinical implications and recommendations were also elicited at the end of this research which highlighted points such as the need for additional training related to assessments performed on elderly individuals and the requisite for further research specifically on the private sectors in both Malta and Gozo.