title: Thickened liquids: practice patterns of speech-language pathologists.
abstract: This study surveyed the practice patterns of speech-language pathologists in their use of thickened liquids for patients with swallowing difficulties. A 25-item Internet survey about thickened liquids was posted via an e-mail list to members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Division 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia). Responses of 145 professionals who primarily manage adult dysphagia are reported. Although the majority affirmed that thickening thin liquids was an effective intervention strategy, opinions about effectiveness were more favorable for nectar-thick versus honey-like and spoon-thick consistencies. Respondents also acknowledged that their patients had little liking for thickened liquids. Results highlight issues related to products and staff training, as well as perceptions concerning the factors that might affect patients' acceptance of and compliance with use of the products.
authors.affiliation: Program in Communication Science & Disorders, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-1403, USA. jgarcia@humec.ksu.edu
authors.forename: Jane Mertz
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chambers
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Molander
mesh_terms: D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006722:Honey; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome