2010 Volume 14 Issue 3 Pages 258-264
Background and Purpose: We conducted a questionnaire to survey the current status of the clinical approach to dysphagia and nutritional support for stroke patients in acute hospitals and convalescent rehabilitation units from the viewpoint of community-based cooperation for stroke medical care.
Subjects and Methods: We sent questionnaires about dysphagia-diets, tests of swallowing and swallowing rehabilitation to 17 acute hospitals and convalescent rehabilitation units in a secondary medical service area. We assessed differences in answer to the various questions between acute hospitals and convalescent rehabilitation units.
Results: We obtained 13 responses (76%). All facilities had a considerable variety of dysphagia-diets (median 5 [range 2–7]), consisting of ready-made and/or original diets. Whereas ready-made diets were mostly offered at acute hospitals, original diets were more frequent in convalescent rehabilitation units. Tests of swallowing were conducted by speech therapists (ST) in all facilities and by multidisciplinary team members in 38% of them. Doctors did not become involved in examinations of swallowing in 23% of facilities. Swallowing rehabilitation was performed by ST (100%) and nurses (77%) during speech therapy (100%) and meals (92%). Swallowing status and diet plans mostly comprised providing verbal advice to patients (75%) and their caregivers (100%).
Conclusions: We clarified the current status of the clinical approach to dysphagia and nutritional support for stroke patients in acute hospitals and convalescent rehabilitation units. An effective approach to dysphagia and nutritional support in stroke patients requires future discussion.
