Premium
VARIATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSPHAGIA AFTER STROKE: DOES SLT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Author(s) -
Lucas Christine,
Rodgers Helen
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
international journal of language and communication disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.101
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1460-6984
pISSN - 1368-2822
DOI - 10.3109/13682829809179438
Subject(s) - dysphagia , referral , stroke (engine) , documentation , physical therapy , acute stroke , rehabilitation , medicine , psychology , family medicine , psychiatry , surgery , emergency department , mechanical engineering , computer science , engineering , programming language
Dysphagia is a frequent consequence of acute stroke. Previous studies have demonstrated better clinical outcomes for patients managed by dysphagia teams, which have always included a speech and language therapist (SLT). This study compares dysphagia management for stroke patients in two hospitals with differing involvement of SLTs in dysphagia services. There was a trend towards better identification of dysphagia, more complete documentation of nutrition and hydration management, less risky dysphagia management and less perceived need for chest physiotherapy at the hospital with locally‐based SLT provision, compared with the hospital with extra‐contractual referral (ECR) for SLT dysphagia assessment. The specific contribution of the SLT in the dysphagia team is discussed.