Problems swallowing? Resources for healthcare staff (NPSA, July 2007)

Summary

Difficulty in swallowing—known as dysphagia—is a serious problem for some adults with learning disabilities and, in serious instances, can lead to death. Improving the safety of people with dysphagia is essential, and introducing individual patient management guidelines can reduce the risks associated with this potentially life-threatening condition.

This document from the NHS National Patient Safety Agency outlines the issues facing adults with learning disabilities who have dysphagia and introduces support materials that can provide practical help for these people. The tools can be adapted for local use and for any adult who has dysphagia.

Content

The resources are:

• risk assessment and guide to levels of risk
• dysphagia risk assessment form
• dysphagia report
• eating, drinking and swallowing care plan
• mealtime information forms
• learning disabilities/dysphagia protocol for general practitioners
• consent form for assessment of eating and drinking or swallowing problems