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Abstract

Background:
A main cause of preventable deaths in people with learning disabilities is aspiration pneumonia. This is caused by food, drink or stomach contents going into the lungs due to eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Speech and Language Therapists support people with dysphagia. There is limited evidence on the assessment and intervention practices for Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) Learning Disability services or how they adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
This study evaluated the current telehealth practices of an existing SLT service supporting people with learning disabilities and dysphagia. An existing Annual Dysphagia Telephone Triage database was accessed, with 33 patient case notes reviewed tracking their SLT dysphagia involvement from 2016-2021. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Findings:
Tracking the service provided novel demographic information and outcomes for this group, including reduced hospital admissions during 2020. Inconsistent delivery of the triage service demonstrated the need for more robust methods to highlight dysphagia risks amongst caregivers, health and care providers.  It was feasible to conduct video telehealth appointments, but face-to-face assessments were maintained.

Conclusion:
The results provide a valuable insight into issues faced when aiming to provide appropriate support for people with learning disabilities and dysphagia. It was feasible to offer video assessments as an adjunct to face-to-face assessment. Dysphagia management remains core to SLT delivery, however early detection by the health and care practitioners and caregivers would ensure timely SLT intervention. Further research is warranted to address effective dysphagia identification and subsequent proactive SLT service delivery.

Publication Type:	Poster
Additional Information:	Presented at: UK Swallowing Research Group 2024 on 9 February 2024.
Subjects:	R Medicine > RF Otorhinolaryngology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Language & Communication Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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