Outpatient dysphagia rehabilitation for the elderly

Abstract

There are few reports on swallowing rehabilitation in outpatient clinics. At our hospital, we provide outpatient treatment mainly for patients with relatively mild dysphagia and have achieved satisfactory results. In this study, we examined outpatient swallowing rehabilitation for elderly patients. Swallowing disorders in the elderly, ranging from the oral to the pharyngeal stage, were managed with a patient-tailored rehabilitation menu. Improvement was observed in 6 of 15 patients. Among patients with relatively mild dysphagia and whose ADL status allowed them to go to hospital, an outpatient diagnosis and rehabilitation, with the active involvement of an otolaryngologist, was a treatment option.