Discussing dysphagia: Presentation at the SAC national convention

Daryn Cushnie-Sparrow, PhD, Speech Language Pathologist at Osler, presented her research on the prevalence of dysphagia at the 2024 Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) national convention held in Vancouver, British Columbia. The convention, a significant event for speech-language pathologists (SLP) and audiologists across Canada, provided a platform for sharing research, engaging in professional development and networking.

During the convention, Daryn showcased her poster titled ‘Oropharyngeal dysphagia among Canadian adult patients’. The research aimed to address the gap in understanding the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in Canadian hospitals, particularly within community hospital systems like Osler. OD refers to a swallowing disorder affecting the mouth and throat, which can compromise the patient safety and efficiency of eating and drinking.

The study was conducted over six weeks in fall 2023, involving a comprehensive chart review of all inpatients seen by an Osler SLP. The research focused on the prevalence of dysphagia, associated patient factors and diagnoses, outcomes and SLP practice patterns.
Key findings presented at the convention included:

• Prevalence of dysphagia: At least 15% of inpatients were found to have OD during the data collection period.
• High prevalence in specific units: The integrated stroke unit exhibited the highest prevalence of dysphagia.
• Common diagnoses: Delirium was identified as the most frequent diagnosis among patients referred for swallowing assessments.
• Management practices: Modified diets, particularly thickened liquids, were frequently recommended as part of the management for patients with OD on an inpatient basis, though rates of thickened liquid recommendation decreased at discharge.

The research garnered significant interest from conference attendees, who noted the valuable contribution of the study to the field of dysphagia management. The findings highlighted the importance of practice-based, clinician-led research in general acute settings, complementing existing studies focused on specialized populations in controlled environments.

Daryn Cushnie-Sparrow’s presentation at the SAC national convention highlighted her commitment to advancing the understanding and management of dysphagia. Her ongoing research and educational efforts continue to support patients in improving their overall quality of life.