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Semin Speech Lang 2021; 42(05): 363-383
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735846
Data-based Research Articles

Clinical Practice Patterns of Speech-Language Pathologists Delivering Dysphagia Services to Persons with COPD: Analysis of Survey Outcomes

Teresa Drulia 
1   Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Texas Christian University, Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Alexis Hodge
1   Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Texas Christian University, Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas
2   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Abstract

Swallowing impairments co-occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to aspiration, disease exacerbations, and malnutrition. This pilot survey study aimed to identify current clinical practice patterns for swallowing evaluation and treatment in persons with COPD. A 35-question Qualtrics survey was deployed to medical speech-language pathology (SLP) social media sites and professional boards; flyers were distributed at a professional conference. Forty-eight SLPs completed the study. SLPs routinely include a clinical swallow examination (96%), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (79%), adjunctive respiratory measures (respiratory rate [83%], and pulse oximetry [67%], respiratory–swallow pattern [77%]) but less frequently include fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (23%). Self-reported advanced clinical experience and expert respiratory analysis skills were associated with adjunctive respiratory measure (respiratory rate, pulse oximetry) inclusion during assessment. Compensatory strategy training (77%) is a preferred treatment for dysphagia in COPD; however, respiratory–swallow pattern training and expiratory muscle strength training are increasing in use. SLPs self-report a comprehensive, individualized patient-centered care approach with inclusion of adjunctive respiratory-focused methods in dysphagia evaluation and treatment practice in persons with COPD. Advances in the identification of the integral role of respiratory function in swallowing integrity may be translating to clinical practice methods for dysphagia management in persons with COPD.

Keywords

dysphagia - clinical practice patterns - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - swallowing disorders - respiratory disease


Publication History

Article published online:
02 November 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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