An evaluation of a speech and language therapy eating, drinking and swallowing service for adults with intellectual disability

What is it about?

This study looked at how a speech and language therapy (SLT) service for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) helps patients who have swallowing difficulties. The researcher collected data from patients' clinical records, and surveys from patients, caregivers, and referrers and monitored choking incidents and hospital admissions with swallow concerns. Choking and hospital admission were the main concerns, and pneumonia risk significantly predicted dysphagia impairment. Patients, caregivers and referrers highly valued the SLT service. The service helped identify swallowing problems, provided management to reduce associated risks, and achieved significant clinical improvements. Valuable ideas for improvement were generated and further involvement work could create a logic model for the service. The study suggested that SLTs could extend the reach of their services to help identify those at risk or with emerging swallowing difficulties. The study also highlighted a possible inequality of access issue for adults with ID who do not have direct care or daycare staff. By using this data to shape quality improvement work and policies, we can work toward addressing high health-related inequalities and preventable deaths associated with swallowing problems in this vulnerable population.

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