title: Variation in the management of dysphagia after stroke: does SLT make a difference?
abstract: Dysphagia is a frequent consequence of acute stroke. Previous studies have demonstrated better clinical outcomes for patients managed by dysphagia teams, which have always included a speech and language therapist (SLT). This study compares dysphagia management for stroke patients in two hospitals with differing involvement of SLTs in dysphagia services. There was a trend towards better identification of dysphagia, more complete documentation of nutrition and hydration management, less risky dysphagia management and less perceived need for chest physiotherapy at the hospital with locally-based SLT provision, compared with the hospital with extra-contractual referral (ECR) for SLT dysphagia assessment. The specific contribution of the SLT in the dysphagia team is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Speech and Language Therapy Department, North Tees General Hospital, Stockton on Tees.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007808:Language Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods*