SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Dysphagia in Hospitalized Older Adults With Dementia: A Mixed Methods Study of Family Care Partners

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Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, focused on improving community health through clinical care, education, research, and health promotion. It operates 23 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient facilities and is affiliated with over 13,600 physicians.<br /><br />The document also summarizes a mixed-methods study on dysphagia in hospitalized older adults with dementia, led by Northwell researchers. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is common in this population, and management often includes texture-modified foods and thickened liquids. However, evidence that these diets improve outcomes is limited.<br /><br />The study used semi-structured phone interviews with 24 care partners of recently hospitalized older adults with dementia and dysphagia. Researchers examined care partner knowledge, patient adherence to prescribed diets after discharge, and how decisions about diet were made.<br /><br />Key findings showed low adherence and limited understanding. Only 33% of care partners reported patients followed the diet. While 54% of patients were prescribed thickened liquids and 58% pureed foods, many care partners were unsure whether these diets reduced pneumonia risk, prolonged life, or improved comfort. Reported reasons for choosing dysphagia diets included safety and life prolongation, while reasons for non-compliance included poor communication with providers, patient refusal, and preference for quality of life.<br /><br />The study concluded that care partners often lack the information needed to make informed decisions about dysphagia diets. Because clinical benefits are uncertain and quality of life may be affected, decisions should be made through an evidence-based, shared decision-making process with better hospital support and communication.

Asset Subtitle

Alex Makhnevich

Meta Tag

Author List Alex Makhnevich, Allison Marziliano, Kristen Porreca, Liron Sinvani, Michael Diefenbach, Suzanne Ardito, Valeria Gromova

Category Research

Concept Swallowing Impairment

Concept Texture-Modified Foods

Concept Thickened Liquids

Concept Shared Decision-Making

Concept Hospitalized Older Adults

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Northwell Health

Presenting Author Alex Makhnevich

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

Northwell Health

dysphagia

dementia

older adults

hospitalized patients

thickened liquids

pureed foods

care partners

shared decision-making

swallowing difficulty

Swallowing Impairment

Texture-Modified Foods

Thickened Liquids

Shared Decision-Making

Hospitalized Older Adults