Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy

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Browsing Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy by browse.metadata.advisor "De Beer, A."

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    Nurses' perceptions of barriers to care for patients with dysphagia and their information delivery preferences regarding dysphagia care
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) Robbertse, Andrea; De Beer, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : The incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases are rising, leading to an increased occurrence of dysphagia, which can severely impact patient recovery. The goal of this study was to determine the perceived barriers to care that South African nurses experience when caring for patients with dysphagia, as well as nurses’ information preferences. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach was followed, making use of a questionnaire and Likert scale responses, as well as a non-scheduled structured interview. A total of 81 participants were obtained from two hospitals in the Western Cape and the Free State, by means of convenience sampling. Quantitative data was analysed by means of statistical analysis, including the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskall-Wallis H test. Qualitative data was analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, which was used to identify recurrent themes. This study relied on King’s Conceptual Systems (1971) to interpret findings. Several barriers to dysphagia care were identified in this study. Work environment-related barriers include staff shortages, time constraints, and overwhelming workloads. Reported patient-related barriers include perceptions of patients being uncooperative and patients disliking their modified diets. Lastly, several barriers regarding dysphagia knowledge and training were observed, such as unfamiliarity with the role of the speech-language therapist (SLT) in dysphagia management, unfamiliarity with SLT terminology, disagreement with the SLT’s recommendations, and inadequate training in dysphagia care. It was noted that barriers in various systems affect one another and often exacerbate existing problems. Various strategies to address these barriers are discussed in the study, with in-service training and more frequent interprofessional interaction and communication being the most likely solutions to these perceived barriers. A preference for written and verbal information, as well as personal contact during training was also observed in this study, which has implications for how nurses’ training should be conducted. This study highlights the homogenous experience of nurses in South Africa regarding dysphagia care and emphasise the need for improved dysphagia training, as well as the organisational changes needed for improved patient care.