Ms Kathryn Ramsay1, Ms Sarah Baildon1, Ms Amy Altheer1, Ms Gemma Mulholland1, Ms Elaine Johnson1
1Ramsay Health, Joondalup, Joondalup Health Campus Shenton Avenue
Biography:
Kathryn has worked in a variety of clinical specialty roles in adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders, in a career which spans more than 20 years. She is passionate about ensuring that she and her team provide the highest level of evidence -based practice. Kathryn has completed quality improvement and research projects in a variety of clinical areas and presented at both state and national levels. She has also been awarded 2 research grants by the Chief Allied Health Office (CAHO) WA. Kathryn is currently the Acting Manager of Speech Pathology at Joondalup Health Campus in Perth, Western Australia.
Abstract:
Dysphagia is the clinical term for problems with swallowing. Speech pathologists are trained to manage dysphagia to reduce the risk of aspiration (food and drink getting into the lungs) which can result in aspiration pneumonia and even death. Symptoms of dysphagia can include coughing when eating and drinking and choking. One way of managing dysphagia is to modify food textures and/or fluid consistencies or even being fed via tube. However, some people with dysphagia choose to eat and drink with acknowledged risk (EDAR) to maintain their quality-of-life. This may impact care and perceptions of the patient by the multi-disciplinary team, whose focus is usually to promote safe practices, resulting in the patient/carer feeling unsupported in their choices. Joondalup Health Campus (JHC), a 722-bed hospital in Perth, Western Australia, did not have a formal care pathway for patients who chose to EDAR. This led to variable management processes and impacted patient-centred care. Patients/carers, nursing and allied health staff were surveyed (N=50) to investigate their understanding of EDAR and how they could be best supported. The main issues identified were a lack of clarity around healthcare professionals' roles in managing patients who chose to EDAR, lack of hospital policies and education, fear of causing harm, and feeling unsupported. As a result, patient handouts, standardisation of terminology, clear documentation and EDAR education sessions were implemented. Post-survey data will be presented at the conference, but initial results show a significant improvement in overall confidence and patient outcomes.