A new home health approach to swallowing disorders.
Dysphagia has devastating effects on millions of adults and children in the United States and contributes to the increasing cost of healthcare because of the aspiration that results. A new treatment, Vital-Stim, is a form of electrical stimulation that speech therapists can administer in the home care setting. This article reflects one agency's success in changing people's lives by helping them swallow again.
Chetney
Rhonda
R
Sentara Home Care Services, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA. rrchetne@Sentara.com
Waro
Karol
K
D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000458:organization & administration; D014768:Virginia