Data from: Dysphagia Management in COPD: A National Survey

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease affecting approximately 300 million people globally. Ireland has the highest hospitalisation for COPD exacerbations in Europe. Dysphagia occurs in 17-85% of people with COPD (PwCOPD) and is a contributory factor to COPD exacerbations. Effective dysphagia management can reduce hospitalisation for PwCOPD. Determining Speech and Language Therapists’ (SLTs) clinical practices and confidence levels when working with PwCOPD and dysphagia is warranted. Following a pilot study, a survey exploring SLTs (n =131) clinical practices and confidence levels prior to and during COVID-19 was issued to SLTs working with PwCOPD and dysphagia in the Republic of Ireland. 88 survey responses were analysed. Survey respondents had up to twenty years plus experience working with PwCOPD across primarily acute and outpatient settings. Self-reported confidence ratings when assessing and treating dysphagia in PwCOPD were mixed, with some statistically significant changes noted during COVID-19. Clinical Bedside Swallow Examinations were routinely used but some components were modified because of COVID-19 infection control guidelines. Routine use of instrumental assessment was conducted by 30% of respondents pre COVID-19 and 39% of respondents during COVID-19. Dysphagia management primarily focused on education and compensatory strategies. Less than 1/3 of respondents used policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines (PPPGs) when managing dysphagia in PwCOPD. Development and dissemination of national PPPGs and education regarding evidence-based management of dysphagia in PwCOPD may support consistent care by SLTs. Further research investigating evidence-based dysphagia management and the impact of PPPGs and education on clinical practice is recommended.