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Outcomes of Dysphagia Intervention in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

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People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic respiratory disease demonstrate an increased prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia as a consequence of impaired coordination between respiration and swallowing function. To date, the effect of patient education and intervention on the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia within pulmonary rehabilitation programs has not been reported or evaluated. Data were collected on participants who were enrolled in the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program and who received dysphagia intervention. Intervention consisted of some or all of the following: (1) a 1-hour dysphagia education program, (2) screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia, and (3) individual comprehensive oropharyngeal dysphagia assessment and management if a screening assessment was failed. A statistically significant improvement was found in participants' knowledge of dysphagia and COPD (P < 0.001). Participants' retention of this knowledge 4 days post education remained statistically significant (P < 0.001). Twenty-seven percent of participants who were screened had symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Fifty-five (53%) participants receiving further individual dysphagia assessment/management correctly completed pre/post swallowing-related quality-of-life surveys (SWAL-QOL). Statistically significant improvement was found in the following subscales: Burden of Dysphagia (P < 0.009), Physical Problems of Dysphagia (P < 0.012) and Managing Diet Options/Food Selection (P < 0.016). Dysphagia education, screening, and management in a pulmonary rehabilitation program improved participants' swallowing-related quality of life and overall self-management of chronic respiratory disease and dysphagia.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Outcomes of Dysphagia Intervention in a Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Program
Anita McKinstry
Æ
Maria Tranter
Æ
Joanne Sweeney
Published online: 18 July 2009
ÓSpringer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009
Abstract People with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) or chronic respiratory disease demonstrate
an increased prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia as a
consequence of impaired coordination between respiration
and swallowing function. To date, the effect of patient
education and intervention on the management of oropha-
ryngeal dysphagia within pulmonary rehabilitation pro-
grams has not been reported or evaluated. Data were
collected on participants who were enrolled in the Outpa-
tient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program and who received
dysphagia intervention. Intervention consisted of some or all
of the following: (1) a 1-hour dysphagia education program,
(2) screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia, and (3) indi-
vidual comprehensive oropharyngeal dysphagia assessment
and management if a screening assessment was failed. A
statistically significant improvement was found in partici-
pants’ knowledge of dysphagia and COPD (P\0.001).
Participants’ retention of this knowledge 4 days post edu-
cation remained statistically significant (P\0.001).
Twenty-seven percent of participants who were screened
had symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Fifty-five (53%)
participants receiving further individual dysphagia assess-
ment/management correctly completed pre/post swallow-
ing-related quality-of-life surveys (SWAL-QOL).
Statistically significant improvement was found in the fol-
lowing subscales: Burden of Dysphagia (P\0.009),
Physical Problems of Dysphagia (P\0.012) and Managing
Diet Options/Food Selection (P\0.016). Dysphagia edu-
cation, screening, and management in a pulmonary
rehabilitation program improved participants’ swallowing-
related quality of life and overall self-management of
chronic respiratory disease and dysphagia.
Keywords Speech pathology Dysphagia Pulmonary
rehabilitation Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) Outcomes Swallowing Deglutition
Deglutition disorders
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an
irreversible lung disease characterised by chronic obstruc-
tion of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing
[1]. COPD is a major cause of disability and economic cost
to the community and has been estimated to become the
fifth leading cause of disability in the world by 2020 [2].
Pulmonary rehabilitation has been recognised as one of
the most effective interventions for patients with COPD
[3]. Recent researchers have demonstrated that pulmonary
rehabilitation relieves dyspnoea and fatigue, improves
emotional function, and enhances patients’ sense of control
over their condition [4]. A comprehensive pulmonary
rehabilitation program consists of both exercise training
and education components [5].
Exercise training is considered a mandatory component to
pulmonary rehabilitation, and the benefits have been well
documented [3]. Education in pulmonary rehabilitation
assists patients to become more active participants in their
health care by improving understanding of changes that
occur with chronic illness and by teaching coping strategies
to deal with changes, thereby enhancing quality of life [6].
Education programs typically involve a range of multidis-
ciplinary team members teaching a patient about COPD,
prevention and treatment of exacerbations, and strategies to
better self-manage their disease [7]. The beneficial effect of
A. McKinstry (&)M. Tranter J. Sweeney
Department of Speech Pathology, Austin Hospital, Level 3,
Lance Townsend Building, 145 Studley Road, P.O. Box 5555,
Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
e-mail: anita.mckinstry@austin.org.au
123
Dysphagia (2010) 25:104–111
DOI 10.1007/s00455-009-9230-3
specific education topics on patient health outcomes, how-
ever, requires further investigation. While recent research
supports the implementation of health education programs in
the continuum of care for patients with COPD [710], the
effect of education on self-management and behaviour
modification in COPD remains inconclusive [11].
Aspiration of food and liquid is a recognised risk for
patients with COPD and can contribute to the cause of
recurrent exacerbations and complications such as pneu-
monia and pulmonary fibrosis [3]. People with COPD have
impaired coordination between respiration and swallowing
and are more likely to commence swallowing and resume
respiration in the inspiratory phase, both in the chronic state
as well as during exacerbations of the disease [12].
Reported characteristics of dysphagia in people with COPD
include oral and pharyngeal stasis [13,14], delayed swallow
reflex [14], reduced laryngeal elevation during swallowing
[13], cricopharyngeal dysfunction [16], increased frequency
of compensatory protective swallow manoeuvres [14], lar-
yngeal penetration [13,15] and aspiration [13,14,17].
Figures of prevalence of dysphagia in patients with
COPD vary widely, ranging between 20 and 92% of patients
who self-report swallowing abnormalities [13,14]. Some
researchers, however, indicate that 100% of patients with
COPD display abnormalities in swallowing on videofluo-
roscopic assessment, during both the acute and stable phases
of illness [13]. The true prevalence of dysphagia in patients
with COPD, either during acute exacerbations or during the
stable phase, is unknown, as all studies we examined were
flawed by methodologic limitations, including small sample
size and skewed participant selection.
The potential role of dysphagia education, screening, and
management within pulmonary rehabilitation programs has
not been widely researched. No outcomes have been pub-
lished about whether intervention may improve patients’
quality of life with regard to dysphagia management. In this
article we offer a preliminary evaluation of different com-
ponents of dysphagia education, screening, and manage-
ment within a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Method
Participants
Participants enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Pro-
gram at Austin Health from November 2002 to April 2007
were eligible for inclusion in the study.
Data Collection and Intervention
Demographic data of age at first appointment, gender, FEV
1
,
height, weight, body mass index (BMI) (all measured closest
to initial appointment), and diagnostic category as assigned
by the referring doctor were collected on all participants
enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. This
information was obtained via the physiotherapy database for
patients on the program and/or medical history audit.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was an 8-week,
twice weekly multidisciplinary program. In each session,
participants attended a 1-hour exercise session with phys-
iotherapy and a 1-hour education session provided by each
member of the multidisciplinary team (physiotherapist,
speech pathologist, dietitian, nurse, social worker, occu-
pational therapist, respiratory physician).
As part of the education sessions, participants attended a
1-hour education session on identification and management
of dysphagia provided by a speech pathologist. Topics
discussed included normal swallowing/breathing, symp-
toms of dysphagia, consequences of aspiration, and strat-
egies to improve swallowing. An education booklet about
dysphagia in COPD was provided to all participants.
Participants’ knowledge of respiration and dysphagia
was examined by completing an 11-item questionnaire
before and after the education session (Appendix). Scoring
was determined by total number of correct answers.
Readability of the questionnaire was between fifth- and
sixth-grade levels (Flesch-Kincaid educational levels of 5.1
and 5.4, respectively). The questions were derived directly
from the content of the education session. Where possible,
participants who attended both education and subsequent
screening sessions between February 2005 and March 2007
completed the same questionnaire approximately 4 days
post education. This was to assess longer-term retention of
knowledge.
During the 8-week program, participants were screened
to identify symptoms of dysphagia. At the start of this
study, the researchers could not identify an existing vali-
dated instrument to screen for dysphagia in patients with
COPD. Therefore, using evidence from the literature [12
17] and consensus opinion from speech pathologists
experienced in COPD management, a questionnaire and
screening protocol were developed for use in this study.
The screen consisted of a self-report questionnaire
regarding symptoms of dysphagia and a clinical assessment
of swallowing ability via observations of participant’s
drinking water and eating a dry biscuit, observing for any
overt symptoms of dysphagia.
Participants identified with symptoms of dysphagia were
offered further individual assessment and management of
swallow function provided by a dietitian and speech
pathologist. These patients received a detailed clinical
assessment with or without an instrumental assessment of
their swallowing via either a videofluoroscopy swallowing
study (VFSS) or fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of
swallowing (FEES) study. Recommendations for
A. McKinstry et al.: Speech Pathology in Pulmonary Rehabilitation 105
123
management of dysphagia were provided on an individual
basis, including texture modification of food/fluids, pos-
tural strategies, and therapeutic exercises. Participants were
also asked to complete a 44-item (9 domain) standardised
dysphagia-specific quality-of-life questionnaire, the
SWAL-QOL survey [18], at initial attendance and
approximately 3 months after initiation of treatment.
Statistical Analysis
All analyses were undertaken using Intercooled Stata 8.2
for Windows (StataCorp, College Station, TX). Statistical
significance was set at P\0.05 for all analyses. Demo-
graphic data are reported as medians (with interquartile
ranges denoted in brackets) or percentages as appropriate.
Differences in medians between those participants enrolled
in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program who were either
seen or not seen for dysphagia education or screening with
regard to age at first appointment, FEV
1
, height, weight,
and BMI were assessed via Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The
differences between these same groups with regard to the
variables of gender and diagnostic category were assessed
using the v
2
test. Differences between pre and post edu-
cation survey scores were assessed using the Wilcoxon
signed-ranks test for paired data. Initial and post inter-
vention scores on the SWAL-QOL survey were also
examined using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for paired
data.
Results
Six hundred and thirty-two participants were enrolled in
the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Austin Health
over the 4.5-year period. Of those participants, 298 atten-
ded the 1-hour education session on identification and
management of dysphagia and COPD. Forty-seven partic-
ipants did not answer one or more of the questions on the
education survey so they were excluded from final analysis,
leaving 253 participants with completed pre and post
education questionnaires (study group 1). Of the 632 par-
ticipants, 383 underwent basic dysphagia screening (study
group 2). Of these 383 participants, 104 were referred from
screening for individual assessment and management of
dysphagia. Fifty-five of those 104 participants (53%) cor-
rectly completed both initial and repeat SWAL-QOL sur-
veys (study group 3) (Fig. 1). Not all participants enrolled
in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program received dys-
phagia education or screening due to a range of factors,
including other research trials and patient unplanned
absences or withdrawal from the program.
Participant demographics for each group are outlined in
Tables 1and 2. There was no statistically significant
difference between participants enrolled in the Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Program that either did or did not attend
either education or screening sessions regarding dysphagia
in relation to median age, FEV
1
, height, weight, or BMI.
Comparing those participants who received dysphagia
education/screening with those who did not, there was a
higher proportion of males in the group screened for dys-
phagia, but no difference for those educated. There was a
higher proportion of patients with a diagnosis of COPD
seen for either dysphagia education or screening compared
with those not seen (P=0.025 for education and
P=0.039 for screening).
Education Results (Study Group 1)
Statistically significant improvement was found in partici-
pant’s pre and post questionnaire results on knowledge of
dysphagia and COPD, with the median score increasing
from 5/11 (IQR 3,6) pre education to 8/11 (IQR 7,9) post
education (P\0.001) (Fig. 2). This positive result
remained in the subgroup of those who completed the
survey 4 days post intervention (P\0.001) (Fig. 3).
Screening Results (Study Group 2)
Twenty-seven percent (104/383) of participants screened
either exhibited or reported symptoms of dysphagia. These
participants were subsequently offered a referral for further
individual dysphagia and nutritional assessment and
management.
Quality-of-Life Results Pre and Post Individual
Dysphagia Management (Study Group 3)
The repeat SWAL-QOL survey was completed a median of
99.5 days (IQR 91-126) after the initial session. Repeat
dates were not recorded for 9/55 participants so they were
excluded from this calculation.
Statistically significant improvement was found in the
subscales Burden of Dysphagia (P\0.009), Physical
Problems of Dysphagia (P\0.012) and Managing Diet
Options/Food Selection (P\0.016) (Table 3). Improve-
ments in the subscale of Managing Stress were approaching
significance (P\0.058). No statistically significant
improvement was seen in the other six subscales.
Discussion
This study found that a participant’s knowledge of COPD
and dysphagia improved significantly after a 1-hour edu-
cation session. This outcome supports existing evidence
that self-management programs increase the patient/carer
106 A. McKinstry et al.: Speech Pathology in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
123
knowledge base [3,9]. Increased knowledge of COPD and
of how to better recognise symptoms may positively affect
patients’ health-seeking behaviour [19] and hence reduce
the risk of exacerbations related to dysphagia. Increasing
knowledge alone, however, is not sufficient to bring about
change in behaviour and improved health outcomes [9,10,
19]. A limitation of this study is that measures were ini-
tially developed to solely evaluate a patient’s improved
knowledge related to dysphagia in COPD and not a
patient’s ability to apply this knowledge for self-
management.
Improved knowledge was partially retained 4 days later.
Long-term retention of knowledge post education, how-
ever, requires further investigation because there is a large
body of research reporting neuropsychological impairment
in patients with COPD [2036]. In particular, deficits have
been reported in the areas of attention [22,28,31], memory
[20,21,29,31,32,37], and abstract thought processing
[31]. Age-related decline across a variety of cognitive
domains, in those older than 60 years of age, is also
reported in the literature [20,38]. The average age of
participants attending the education session was 74.9 years.
Participants enrolled in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRP)
n = 632
Total No. of participants who
attended a dysphagia education
session
n = 298
(47% of total PRP group)
Participants who only
attended dysphagia
screening session
n = 107
Participants referred for individual
dysphagia
assessment/management
n = 104
(27% screened group)
STUDY GROUP 3
Participants with completed initial
and 3 month post SWAL QOL
surveys
n = 55
(53 % of participants ref erred for
individual management)
STUDY GROUP 1
Participants with completed pre-
post education questionnaires
n = 253
(84% of dysphagia education group)
Participants who only
attended dysphagia
education session
n = 22
Participants who
attended both
dysphagia education
and dysphagia
screening sessions
n = 276
STUDY GROUP 2
Total No. of participants who
attended a dysphagia screening
session
n = 383
(60% of total PRP group)
Participants not
educated or screened
for dysphagia by
Speech Pathologist
n = 227
Fig. 1 Participants included in
study (November 2002–April
2007)
Table 1 Demographic data of patients enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program comparing those seen with those not seen for
dysphagia education
Attended education session Did not attend education session Pvalue
N298 334 N/A
Age
a
74.9 (67.0, 79.5) 73.8 (66.4, 78.8) 0.193
Males (%) 56.7 52.1 0.245
b
FEV
1
a
1.17 (0.81, 1.64) 1.24 (0.86, 1.66) 0.465
Height (m)
a
1.65 (1.58, 1.72) 1.64 (1.58, 1.71) 0.716
Weight (kg)
a
70 (61, 84) 74 (63, 89) 0.073
BMI
a
26.1 (22.9, 30.8) 27.5 (23.1, 31.8) 0.080
Diagnosis of COPD (%) 79.8 72.2 0.025
b
a
All data for these variables reported as median and interquartile range (IQR)
b
Relates to v
2
test for difference between the two groups; all other pvalues relate to Wilcoxon rank-sum test for difference in medians of the
two groups
A. McKinstry et al.: Speech Pathology in Pulmonary Rehabilitation 107
123
Our finding that 27% of pulmonary rehabilitation par-
ticipants who were screened for dysphagia reported or
exhibited symptoms of dysphagia is similar to the findings
of Mokhlesi et al. [14]. Previous researchers have suggested
that only 4-5% of patients with COPD are referred for
swallow assessment [15,17]. This is a cause for concern
because it highlights the likely underdiagnosis and man-
agement of dysphagia in the COPD population. While there
has been some research into the prevalence of dysphagia in
the stable and acute phases of COPD [1317], further
research is required to establish a strong evidence base for
dysphagia education and management in this population.
Furthermore, this study did not evaluate the severity of
dysphagia symptoms that patients reported or exhibited.
Further investigation into the severity of patients’ dyspha-
gia symptoms during both the chronic and acute phases of
the disease and whether the severity of COPD correlates
with the severity of dysphagia would provide further evi-
dence to identify individuals at higher risk of aspiration.
Consideration should also be given to identifying the
optimal method of dysphagia screening in this population
to identify patients requiring further management. No
validated tool for dysphagia screening of people with
COPD currently exists.
In the context of the chronic and progressive nature of
COPD, improvement in quality of life should be viewed as a
clinically significant result for this population. The finding
that individual dysphagia assessment and management had a
positive effect on some, but not all, areas of a participant’s
quality of life (as rated by the SWAL-QOL) is not unex-
pected. Given that intervention focused on self-management
skills of the nine subscales in the SWAL-QOL, Burden of
Dysphagia and Managing Diet Options/Food Selection are
the scales in which improvement was most anticipated.
The significant improvement in the subscale of Physical
Problems of Dysphagia was not anticipated given the
chronic and progressive nature of the disease. It is possible
that the dysphagia management plans reduced the partici-
pants’ perception of the severity of the physical problems
Table 2 Demographic data of patients enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program comparing those seen with those not seen for
dysphagia screening
Attended screening session Did not attend screening session Pvalue
N383 249 N/A
Age
a
73.9 (67.0, 79.1) 74.1 (65.7, 79.2) 0.668
Males (%) 58.0 48.6 0.021
b
FEV
1
a
1.18 (0.80, 1.66) 1.24 (0.91, 1.61) 0.808
Height (m)
a
1.65 (1.58, 1.72) 1.64 (1.57, 1.71) 0.234
Weight (kg)
a
71 (61, 86) 74 (64, 88) 0.119
BMI
a
26.1 (22.9, 31.1) 28 (23.3, 32.1) 0.055
Diagnosis of COPD (%) 78.6 71.4 0.039
b
a
All data for these variables reported as median and interquartile range (IQR)
b
Relates to v
2
test for difference between the two groups; all other Pvalues relate to Wilcoxon rank-sum test for difference in medians of the
two groups
0 5 10
Score (max=11)
Pre Post
p<.001
Fig. 2 Education questionnaire results: before education and imme-
diately after education (n=253)
0 5 10
Score (max=11)
Pre Post 4 days post
p<.001
Fig. 3 Education questionnaire results: before education, immedi-
ately after, and 4 days after education (n=78)
108 A. McKinstry et al.: Speech Pathology in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
123
being experienced, in spite of the chronic nature of the
problem. These results support the implementation of
active individual management of dysphagia in this popu-
lation to improve the patient’s quality of life, regardless of
the progressive nature of the disease.
Of interest, the Managing Stress subscale approached
statistically significant improvement. The introduction of
self-management plans for dysphagia may have empow-
ered patients to recognise symptoms and implement strat-
egies, thus reducing their anxiety. Further research,
however, is required in this area to confirm these
impressions.
The lack of significant improvement in the other sub-
scales of the SWAL-QOL was not surprising. These
include the subscales of Desire to Eat, Communication,
Fear of Choking, Social Functioning, and Fatigue.
The desire to eat is multifactorial and management of a
swallowing problem in isolation may not be sufficient to
improve this domain. Indeed, management of dysphagia
may involve texture modification of food and fluids, which
can potentially reduce the desirability of oral intake. This is
a somewhat unfortunate but unavoidable side effect of
avoiding aspiration pneumonia for some people with
COPD.
Participants’ fear of choking did not change after
dysphagia management. As a direct result of intervention,
participants would likely have an increased awareness of
their dysphagia and the potential serious consequences
(i.e., choking and/or aspiration pneumonia). This
increased awareness of the risk and consequences of their
problem possibly meant their level of fear remained
unchanged.
While not significant, the trend toward improvement in
social functioning was encouraging. Modifications to diet
and the introduction of swallowing strategies recom-
mended in the management of dysphagia may negatively
impact on a person’s willingness to eat out socially. Before
intervention, participants reported that they no longer dined
out socially because they found the episodes of coughing or
choking during meals or the increased time required for
meals socially embarrassing.
Conclusion
In this article we document the benefit of dysphagia edu-
cation, screening, and intervention in pulmonary rehabili-
tation programs for patients with COPD. Dysphagia
management and education of patients in pulmonary
rehabilitation programs may contribute toward early iden-
tification and self-management of dysphagia and may
enhance swallowing-related quality of life.
Acknowledgments The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr. Cath-
erine Hill, Tanis Cameron, and Professor Alison Perry for their
contributions to this article, and Sophie Rogers for her statistical
analysis of the data. This study was approved by the Human Research
Ethics Committee, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Appendix Education Session Questionnaire
Name (Please print): ___________________________
DOB: ______________
Yes No Unsure
1. Are people with breathing difficulties more
likely to be at risk of swallowing problems?
hhh
2. Can swallowing problems cause pneumonia? hhh
3. The term ‘‘aspiration’’ means food or drink
going into the lungs?
hhh
4. Can we breath in and out as we swallow? hhh
5. If you cough during a meal, is that a possible
sign of swallowing problems?
hhh
6. Is a cough always triggered when food/drink
goes down the wrong way?
hhh
Table 3 Summary of pre- and post-SWAL-QOL survey results (n=55)
Domain Initial median score (IQR) Post median score (IQR) Pvalue
Burden of Dysphagia (max score: 10) 7 (6, 9) 8 (7, 10) 0.009*
Desire to Eat (max score: 25) 18 (13, 23) 19 (15, 23) 0.137
Physical Problems of Dysphagia (max score: 70) 49 (40, 56) 52 (42, 62) 0.012*
Managing Diet Options, Food Selection (max score: 10) 8 (4, 9) 8 (6, 10) 0.016*
Communication (max score: 10) 10 (6, 10) 10 (8, 10) 0.476
Fear of Choking (max score: 20) 16 (11, 18) 16 (13, 18) 0.109
Mental State, Stress (max score: 25) 18 (12, 23) 20 (15, 25) 0.058
Social Management of Dysphagia (max score: 25) 20 (15, 25) 23 (14, 25) 0.063
Fatigue (max score: 25) 15 (10, 17) 13 (10, 17) 0.381
*Statistically significant
A. McKinstry et al.: Speech Pathology in Pulmonary Rehabilitation 109
123
Appendix continued
Yes No Unsure
7. Can chest infections cause swallowing
problems?
hhh
8. Can an X-ray determine the safety of your
swallow function?
hhh
9. If you need oxygen to help your breathing,
should you take it off when eating and
drinking?
hhh
10. Do we hold our breath for about 5 seconds
when we swallow?
hhh
11. Are liquids always safer to swallow than
solids?
hhh
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A. McKinstry BSpPath (Hons)
M. Tranter BSpPath, GrDipl Bus Manag
J. Sweeney BAppSc (SpPath), MAppLing
A. McKinstry et al.: Speech Pathology in Pulmonary Rehabilitation 111
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... Due to the short acute exacerbation readmission cycle of COPD of 30 days, readmission not only seriously damages lung function and increases the risk of death but also requires a large number of medical resources, which is one of the evaluation indicators of hospital medical quality in the United States [6]. Studies have shown that managing the influencing factors of readmission can lead to its avoidance in some populations [7]. In the past, regression analysis was used to discuss influencing factors. ...
... One thousand two hundred sixtyeight cases were included in the study; 86 incomplete questionnaires were excluded, as well as 62 patients who were lost to the study, with 1120 cases finally obtained as the study sample. The ratio of sample size to index was 1120:21, which met the requirement that the sample size of the structural equation model is ten times larger than the measurement variable (210), and the structural equation model could therefore be used [7]. Elderly patients with COPD were classified as non-readmitted or readmitted based on whether they were readmitted for acute exacerbation within 30 days of discharge. ...
Article
Full-text available
Objective To investigate the circumstances that lead to acute exacerbation readmission of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within 30 days and to explore the influencing factors of readmission using a structural equation model to provide evidence for medical staff so that effective intervention measures can be taken. Methods The convenience sampling method was used to select 1120 elderly patients with COPD from the respiratory departments of thirteen general hospitals in the Ningxia region, China, from April 2019 to August 2020, who then completed a survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire contained a general data questionnaire and the modified Medical Research Council, activities of daily living, geriatric depression scale and COPD assessment test scales. Results The readmission rate of patients with COPD presenting with acute exacerbation within 30 days was determined to be 21.52%. Therefore, the modified model measures data accurately. The results showed that seasonal factors, family rehabilitation, age factors and overall health status were direct factors in the acute exacerbation readmission of patients with COPD within 30 days of hospital discharge. Smoking is not only a direct factor for acute exacerbation readmission within 30 days but also an indirect factor through disease status; disease status and chronic disease are not only direct factors for acute exacerbation readmission within 30 days but also indirect factors through the patient’s overall health status. Conclusions The rate of patients with COPD presenting with acute exacerbation within 30 days is high; while taking measures to prevent readmission based on influencing factors that directly impact admission rates, attention should also be paid to the interaction between these factors.
... Due to the short acute exacerbation cycle of COPD within 30 days, readmission not only seriously damages lung function and increases the risk of death, but also occupies a large number of medical resources, which has been taken as one of the evaluation indicators of hospital medical quality in the United States [6] . Studies have shown that management of in uencing factors can avoid readmission in some population [7] . In the past, regression analysis was used to discuss the in uencing factors. ...
... 1268 cases were included in the study, 86 unquali ed questionnaires and 62 lost visitors were excluded, and 1120 cases were nally obtained as the study sample. The ratio of sample size to index is 1120:21, which meets the requirement that the sample size of structural equation model is 10 times larger than the measurement variable (210), and structural equation model can be used [7] . elderly COPD patients were classi ed as non-readmitted and readmitted based on whether they were readmitted for acute exacerbation within 30 days after discharge. ...
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Objective To investigate the situation of acute exacerbation readmission in elderly patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within 30 days, and to explore the influencing factors of readmission by structural equation model, so as to provide evidence for medical staff to take effective intervention measures. Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select 1120 elderly COPD patients from respiratory department of 13 general hospitals in Ningxia region from April 2019 to August 2020 for questionnaire survey. The participants completed the questionnaire containing general data questionnaire, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scale. Results The readmission rate of acute exacerbation within 30 days in elderly COPD patients was 21.52%; The modified model fits well. Fitting results showed that seasonal factors, family rehabilitation, age factors and overall status were the direct influencing factors of acute exacerbation readmission in elderly COPD patients within 30 days. Smoking status is not only a direct factor for acute exacerbation of readmission within 30 days, but also an indirect effect through disease status; Disease status and chronic disease are not only direct factors for acute exacerbation of readmission within 30 days, but also indirectly through overall status. Conclusions The rate of acute exacerbation readmission within 30 days in elderly patients with COPD is high, While taking measures to prevent readmission based on direct influencing factors, attention should be paid to the interaction between factors.
... Thus, it appears necessary to educate patients on the risks associated with dysphagia, the components of the treatment plan, and the potential benefits of and rationale for the selected treatment plan. Not surprisingly, brief, but focused education on dysphagia has been found to lead to significant improvements in patient knowledge that is retained over time (e.g., McKinstry et al., 2010). Individuals with dysphagia have also previously reported the value of education, including dedicated time to reviewing instrumental assessment results with the opportunity to ask questions in the moment and individualized conversations about the impact of dysphagia on their personal life (Howells et al., 2020). ...
Article
Purpose: The purpose of this review was to identify the factors affecting adherence to dysphagia dietary recommendations, a necessary contributor to the effectiveness of this compensatory strategy. Method: A rapid review of two electronic databases was conducted in April 2021. Studies were included based on the following criteria: (a) were empirical studies published in English, (b) included data from the adult population, and (c) measured adherence to dietary recommendations. The ecological model and the health belief model were used as frameworks during the analysis process. Results: The literature search resulted in 930 unique abstracts, of which 14 articles were included based on the final criteria. Across the literature, multiple factors were identified as having an influence on adherence, classified according to three unique levels: the individual (e.g., dissatisfaction), the care-giver (e.g., knowledge), and the environment (e.g., institutional policies and values). Conclusions: Improving adherence to dysphagia dietary recommendations is crucial for the effectiveness of those recommendations. As suggested by the current review, increased adherence will require careful attention to the multiple levels of factors that likely play a role, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of this complex behavior. Furthermore, characterizing the multilevel factors that influence adherence can contribute to future theoretical models, which could help guide speech-language pathologists in their clinical practices.
... 11 Furthermore, McKinstry et al targeted various educational objectives as the normal mechanism of swallowing, knowing the signs and symptoms of aspiration as well as the complications of aspiration and the importance of the application of specific rehabilitation exercises and compensatory strategies without taking into consideration the psychosocial skills. 12 Wasserman et al aimed the education related only to the nutritional aspects and possible alternative feeding methods as well as the postoperative swallow safety. 13 Although dysphagia appears in diversified contexts, hence, the establishment of a base of fundamental and transversal competencies for patients with OD and their informal caregivers seems essential to us to guide the development of relevant educational interventions for these patients. ...
Article
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Purpose In the absence of literature allowing for an evidence-based approach to therapeutic patient education (TPE) in Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD), this study aims to reach a consensus of experts on the content of a competency framework of an educational program for OD patients and their informal caregivers (ICGs). Methods We used the Delphi consensus-building method. Four categories of experts were recruited: 12 patients, 17 ICGs, 46 healthcare professionals (HCP) (experienced in OD, not necessarily certified in TPE), and 19 experts in TPE (trained individuals to set up and run TPE programs not necessarily HCPs). The content of the questionnaire of the first round (R) was established according to the result of a scoping review and the opinion of an expert committee. We carried out three rounds. In R1 and R2, we collected the opinions on the relevance (7-point Likert-type scale) and on comprehensiveness (YES/No question and asking participants to propose additional content). Participants were also invited to leave comments on each objective. In R3, we asked the participants to give their opinion about the relevance of the objectives again and asked them to rank the themes from highest to lowest priority. Results Objectives were considered relevant for all participants if they reached consensus when the interquartile (IQR) ≤ 1, and if the median indicated agreement (Mdn ≥ 6) (6= appropriate, 7 = totally appropriate). Following three rounds, the final content of the educational program is composed of 23 educational objectives organized in 13 themes with an agreement about relevance amongst all participants (Mdn ≥ 6; IQR ≤ 1). The comprehensiveness criterion received also a consensus (IQR ≤ 1). The participants ranked the theme “normal swallowing vs difficulty swallowing” as the highest priority. Conclusion This Delphi study resulted in a consensus, on the content of a competency framework of an educational program for OD patients and their ICGs. Further steps are needed to construct learning activities based on these objectives before testing their feasibility and efficacy.
... There are still no established estimates regarding the prevalence of dysphagia among theolder people in the world literature and the inclusion of chronic and neurological diseases has contributed to the variability of these data, as well as heterogeneous diagnostic criteria and screening instruments of low methodological quality [19,22,23]. In some specific clinical studies, the prevalence of dysphagia has been reported to range between 8.1-80% among stroke patients and 11-81% among Parkinson's disease patients, and it appears in 27-30% of traumatic brain injury cases and 91.7% of patients with communityacquired pneumonia [24]. ...
Article
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Background: The exponential growth in epidemiological studies has been reflected in an increase in analytical studies. Thus, theoretical models are required to guide the definition of data analysis, although so far, they are seldom used in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Objective: To propose a multicausal model for oropharyngeal dysphagia using directed acyclic graphs showing mediating variables, confounding variables, and variables connected by direct causation. Design: This integrative literature review. Setting: This was carried out until January 4, 2021, and searches were performed with the MEDLINE, EMBASE,and other bases.
Article
Introduction: An essential component of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) management is education of patients and their caregivers. However, clear and precise recommendations are not always present in patient/caregiver education. Objective: The objective of this article is to summarize evidence reported in the literature from 1996 to 2021 for therapeutic patient education (TPE) in OD, with a focus on, the modalities of the interventions, as well as the evaluation of educational interventions for adult patients with OD and their informal caregivers (ICGs). Methods: A search for relevant studies was completed on: Medline (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and Scopus. Additional searches were performed on Google Scholar, and Open Grey. Data was collected relying on the Patient Education Research Characteristics model. Results-Discussion: In the 17 selected articles, different educational strategies and interventions were used through different modalities. Educational content mostly targeted knowledge about the normal mechanism of swallowing, application of specific rehabilitation exercises, and compensatory strategies. Evaluation of the effectiveness of these educational interventions includes several criteria. Important details are missing in the literature; such as details of the educational strategies amongst others. Conclusion: There is little evidence guiding educational interventions for OD patients and their ICG. Further studies are needed to understand which TPE program would be effective in OD, but first, there is a need to have an agreement on the goals of educational interventions.
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Swallowing impairments co-occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to aspiration, disease exacerbations, and malnutrition. This pilot survey study aimed to identify current clinical practice patterns for swallowing evaluation and treatment in persons with COPD. A 35-question Qualtrics survey was deployed to medical speech-language pathology (SLP) social media sites and professional boards; flyers were distributed at a professional conference. Forty-eight SLPs completed the study. SLPs routinely include a clinical swallow examination (96%), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (79%), adjunctive respiratory measures (respiratory rate [83%], and pulse oximetry [67%], respiratory–swallow pattern [77%]) but less frequently include fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (23%). Self-reported advanced clinical experience and expert respiratory analysis skills were associated with adjunctive respiratory measure (respiratory rate, pulse oximetry) inclusion during assessment. Compensatory strategy training (77%) is a preferred treatment for dysphagia in COPD; however, respiratory–swallow pattern training and expiratory muscle strength training are increasing in use. SLPs self-report a comprehensive, individualized patient-centered care approach with inclusion of adjunctive respiratory-focused methods in dysphagia evaluation and treatment practice in persons with COPD. Advances in the identification of the integral role of respiratory function in swallowing integrity may be translating to clinical practice methods for dysphagia management in persons with COPD.
Article
Purpose Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) limits respiration, which may negatively impact airway safety during swallowing. It is unknown how differences in lung volume in COPD may alter swallowing physiology. This exploratory study aimed to determine how changes in lung volume impact swallow duration and coordination in persons with stable state COPD compared with older healthy volunteers (OHVs). Method Volunteers ≥ 45 years with COPD (VwCOPDs; n = 9) and OHVs ( n = 10) were prospectively recruited. Group and within-participant differences were examined when swallowing at different respiratory volumes: resting expiratory level (REL), tidal volume (TV), and total lung capacity (TLC). Participants swallowed self-administered 20-ml water boluses by medicine cup. Noncued (NC) water swallows were followed by randomly ordered block swallowing trials at three lung volumes. Estimated lung volume (ELV) and respiratory–swallow patterning were quantified using spirometry and respiratory inductive plethysmography. Manometry measured pharyngeal swallow duration from onset of base of tongue pressure increase to offset of negative pressure in the pharyngoesophageal segment. Results During NC swallows, the VwCOPDs swallowed at lower lung volumes than OHVs ( p = .011) and VwCOPDs tended to inspire after swallows more often than OHVs. Pharyngeal swallow duration did not differ between groups; however, swallow duration significantly decreased as the ELV increased in VwCOPDs ( p = .003). During ELV manipulation, the COPD group inspired after swallowing more frequently at REL than at TLC ( p = .001) and at TV ( p = .002). In conclusion, increasing respiratory lung volume in COPD should improve safety by reducing the frequency of inspiration after a swallow.
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The evidence presented in this and previous position papers (190-192) show that comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation is an improvement over standard medical management or educational intervention alone in several outcome areas. The benefits achieved extend beyond increases in exercise ability and include decreases in dyspnea and improvements in health status.
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Findings on 14 patients referred for swallowing evaluations from the pulmonary unit of a rehabilitation hospital are presented. Patients were admitted to the hospital with the primary diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thirteen patients had tracheostomy tubes, and five were ventilator-dependent. Each patient received a bedside evaluation to assess the oral phase of the swallow, as well as videofluoroscopy to examine the pharyngeal phase. Results indicated that nearly all of the patients experienced some difficulty with both phases of swallowing. Oral and pharyngeal transit times were consistently slower than normal. Most patients demonstrated diminished coordination and strength of the oral and pharyngeal musculature. The overall picture was one of reduced strength in all aspects of the swallow, coupled with a reduced ability to use pulmonary air to clear the larynx and ensure airway protection. Consistent aspiration was observed in only 3 of the 14 patients, but 10 of the patients were judged to have a moderate swallowing dysfunction.
Article
Previous research has demonstrated neuropsychological deficits in moderately to severely hypoxemic, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The present article reports on the neuropsychological functioning of mildly hypoxemic COPD patients. 100 patients (mean age 61.5 yrs) and 25 controls (mean age 59.6 yrs) matched on relevant variables were given extensive neuropsychological tests including the WAIS, Wechsler Memory Scale, and Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery. Mild neuropsychological impairment was observed in the COPD Ss, with overall indexes of neuropsychological dysfunction correlating with resting partial pressure of oxygen. Depression and motivation to perform could not account for the results. Long-term reduced oxygen supply to the brain may account for these observed deficits. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
Article
Despite the magnitude of the public health problem presented by respiratory diseases, there have been few studies concerned with vocational rehabilitation (VR) potential of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Certain physiologic variables which show a high degree of relationship to VR success are identified. The three independent variables which most highly correlate with the VR potential of patients with COPD are the percentages predicted for the first-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1.0), forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent of the forced vital capacity (FEF25-75 percent), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). The mean ‘cutting’ percentages for inclusion in VR programs were 50, 27, and 40, respectively. The emotional variables studied do not differentiate potential VR success or failure as clearly as the physiologic factors. The criteria set forth not only can be used by rehabilitation workers but could serve as a basis for future demonstration studies.
Article
• In previous work we showed that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffered decrements in neuropsychologic functioning suggestive of organic mental disturbance. This study combined data from two multicenter clinical trials to explore the nature and possible determinants of such neuropsychologic change. Three groups of patients with COPD whose hypoxemia was mild (N = 86), moderate (N =155), or severe (N = 61) were compared with age- and education-matched nonpatients (N = 99). The rate of neuropsychologic deficit rose from 27% in mild hypoxemia to 61% in severe hypoxemia. Various neuropsychologic abilities declined at different rates, suggesting differential vulnerability of neuropsychologic functions to progress of COPD. Multivariate analyses revealed a consistent significant relationship between degree of hypoxemia and neuropsychologic impairment, but the amount of shared variance was small (7%). Increasing age and lower education were also associated with impairment.
Article
As part of a six-center clinical trial of the effectiveness of continuous v nocturnal oxygen in the management of hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we performed detailed neuropsychologic assessments of these patients prior to their beginning treatment. The 203 patients (age, 65 years; Pao 2 , 51 mm Hg; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 0.74 L) performed significantly worse than controls on virtually all neuropsychologic tests. Moderate to severe test impairment suggestive of cerebral dysfunction was found in 42% of the patients, as compared with 14% of controls. Higher cognitive functions (abstracting ability, complex perceptual-motor integration) were most severely affected, although half the patients also showed decrements in motor speed, strength, and coordination. Low-order significant inverse correlations were found between neuropsychologic impairment and Pao 2 , resting arterial oxygen saturation and hemoglobin levels and maximum work. It is concluded that cerebral disturbance is common in hypoxemic COPD and may be related in part to decreased availability of oxygen to the brain. ( Arch Intern Med 1982;142:1470-1476)
Article
• Measures of quality of life were obtained on 985 patients with mild hypoxemia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A subsample of 100 patients were also given extensive neuropsychological and personality tests. Mildly hypoxemic COPD patients showed impairment in quality-of-life activities. They showed less impairment in physical function, compared with previous studies on COPD patients with hypoxemia, but about equal impairment in psychosocial function and dysphoric mood. Nonrelated health changes in life do not seem to account for these findings. Degree of self-reported tension-anxiety was the single greatest predictor of both physical and psychosocial measures of quality of life. Level of exercise completed, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and neuropsychological status were significantly related to physical limitations, but not psychosocial functioning. The Pao2 was not significantly related to quality-of-life measures in this patient group.(Arch Intern Med 1984;144:1613-1619)
Article
Background: Self-management interventions improvevarious outcomes for many chronic diseases. The definite place of self-management in the care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been established. We evaluated the effect of a continuum of self-management, specific to COPD, on the use of hospital services and health status among patients with moderate to severe disease. Methods: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial was carried out in 7 hospitals from February 1998 to July 1999. All patients had advanced COPD with at least I hospitalization for exacerbation in the previous year. Patients were assigned to a self-management program or to usual care. The intervention consisted of a comprehensive patient education program administered through weekly visits by trained health professionals over a 2-month period with monthly telephone follow-up. Over 12 months, data were collected regarding the primary outcome and number of hospitalizations; secondary outcomes included emergency visits and patient health status. Results: Hospital admissions for exacerbation of COPD were reduced by 39.8% in the intervention group compared with the usual care group (P = .01), and admissions for other health problems were reduced by 57.1% (P = .01). Emergency department visits were reduced by 41.0% (P = .02) and unscheduled physician visits by 58.9% (P =. 003). Greater improvements in the impact subscale and total quality-of-life scores were observed in the intervention group at 4 months, although some of the benefits were maintained only for the impact score at 12 months. Conclusions: A continuum of self-management for COPD patients provided by a trained health professional can significantly reduce the utilization of health care services and improve health status. This approach of care can be implemented within normal practice.
Article
Few studies have examined the neuropsychological sequelae associated with end-stage pulmonary disease. Neuropsychological data are presented for 47 patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were being evaluated as potential candidates for lung transplantation. Although patients exhibited a diversity of neurocognitive deficits, their highest frequencies of impairment were found on the Selective Reminding Test (SRT). Specifically, over 50% of the patients completing the SRT exhibited impaired immediate free recall and consistent long-term retrieval deficits, while more than 44% of these individuals displayed deficient long-term retrieval. Deficient SRT long-term storage strategies, cued recall, and delayed recall were exhibited by between 26% and 35% of these patients, while more than 32% of this sample displayed elevated numbers of intrusion errors. Over 31% of the patients completing the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) failed to achieve the expected number of categories on this measure, while more than 23% of these individuals demonstrated elevated numbers of perseverative errors and total errors. Clinically notable frequencies of impairment (greater than 20% of the sample) were also found on the Trail Making Test (TMT): Part B and the Wechsler Memory Scale-R (WMS-R) Visual Reproduction II subtest. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) personality assessments indicated that patients were experiencing a diversity of somatic complaints and that they may have been functioning at a reduced level of efficiency. These findings are discussed in light of patients' end-stage COPD and factors possibly contributing to their neuropsychological test performances. Implications for clinical practice and future research are also included.