AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO TREAT DYSPHAGIA
IMPROVING NUTRITION, FOOD INTAKE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS
by Randy Griffin, RN, MS
The most effective way to estabilsh a progressive treatment program for residents with dysphagia is to develop an organized and functional interdisciplinary team that focuses on all elements of each patient's well being.
Unfortunately, this may be easier said than done. All too often, there is a certain amount of territorialism within each department that interferes with the development of a united effort.
It is not unusual to find facilities where doctors, dietitians, food service personnel, nursing staff, and therapists have little contact with each other in coordinating the total treatment of a patient. Since they know little about what the other departments are doing, the patient does not receive a unified treatment program.
When each discipline maintains a limited perspective on their role in patient care, the patient ultimately suffers. Treatment is one-dimensional and uncoordinated, resulting in less-than-ideal care.
Refocusing on a Holistic Approach
It is crucial that the healthcar industry refocus its efforts on the individualism of each patient and develop a holistic approach to providing care. Instead of concentrating on isolated goals within each department, the team should look at the total picture and their roles within in it.
Facilities need to formulate a holistic approach in assessing and treating patients. The approach should emphasize quality of patient care, patient dignity, empowerment of staff, and an integration of services for each patient.
How can your facility develop a team strategy for treating patients?
Here are a few principles that have been proven to be effective:
- Identify all team members, including doctors, dietitians, nurses, nursing assistants, food service supervisors, cooks, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and food service personnel.
- Orient all staff to the facility-wide mission of promoting quality of care, patient dignity, and integrated services.
- Provide in-service education and training to promote expertise, team building, and team values.
- Team members should meet regularly to review assessments, develop care plans, review patient progress, and share information about each patient.
- Include input from family members in this team approach.
- Understand that there is not a standard diet for all dysphagic patients.
- Encourage creative problem-solving ideas from all members of the team. This may generate suggestions on improving facility services which administration should be receptive to hearing.
- Each team member should become familiar with other disciplines as well as sharing information about their own.
Understanding Dysphagia
Every member of the team should be familiar with the nutritional needs of each dysphagia patient, not just the dietary department. In order to relate to the patient's needs, they should know the signs and symptoms that a patient exhibits when chewing or swallowing problems arise.
The should be familiar with the procedures used in evaluating swallowing and in the proper food consistency for safe swallowing. They should understand the feeding techniques that assist patients with dysphagia.
Last, but not least, they need to comprehend the importance of food aesthetics in the pureed diet that dysphagic patients require. Evaluating the quality of pureed food and actually tasting it are important factors for team members to consider.
A Shared Responsibility
In time, the team will generate a shared sense of responsibility for each patient, focusing on reducing, minimizing, and actually eliminating the incidence of malnourishment amoung dysphagic patients.
The overall nutrition, food intake, and quality of life will be improved, giving patients a better opportunity for enhanced health within the facility. This is the focus of the interdisciplinary approach and the goal of effectively treating patients with dysphagia.
Product Support