A Survey of Australian Dysphagia Practice Patterns

Abstract

Dysphagia assessment and rehabilitation practice is complex, and significant variability in speech-language pathology approaches has been documented internationally. The aim of this study was to evaluate swallowing-related assessment and rehabilitation practices of SLPs currently working in Australia. One hundred and fifty-four SLPs completed an online questionnaire administered via QuickSurveys from May to July 2015. Results were analysed descriptively. The majority of clinicians had accessed post-graduate training in dysphagia management and assessment (66.23%). Referral and screening were typically on an ad hoc basis (74.03%). Clinical swallow examination (CSE) and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study were used by 93.51 and 88.31% of respondents, respectively. CSE was the assessment that predominantly informed clinical decision-making (52.63%). Clinicians typically treated clients with dysphagia for 30 min per session (46.10%), with recommendations of repetition of exercises inconsistent across settings. Outcome measures were utilised by many (67.53%), which however were typically informal. Results indicate variable practice patterns for dysphagia assessment and management across Australia. This variability may reflect the heterogeneous nature of dysphagia and the varying needs of patients accessing different services.

Keywords: Assessment; Dysphagia; Rehabilitation; Screening; Survey; Swallowing; Treatment.