[Dysphagia] Influences on swallow assessment decision -making

[jfurstoss at acmedctr.org (Furstoss, Jeanne ACMC)]

Since it is Nursing's  role to 'feed patients' (levels ranging from
supervision to dependent feed), not to mention med administration/ oral care
/fluid-electrolyte monitoring -  Nursing has an experience of and a central
stake in the patient's hydration/nutrition status, and must professionally
assess and advocate for patients - as the swallowing therapist does.
Younger, isolated, and other therapists would benefit by focusing on their
customers, which might then be considered the Patient and Nursing.    I find
the bigger problem is the limited knowledge base pervading dysphagia which
continues to be held by Nursing staff, often swallowing therapists, and
subsequently often physicians. 

Jeanne MS OTR SWC