PROTOCOLOS DE AVALIAÇÃO DA DEGLUTIÇÃO: NORTEADORES E LIMITAÇÕES

Abstract

Introduction: Dysphagia is a symptom of abnormality in the deglutition process that leads to difficulty in forming or moving the food bolus safely and efficiently. Investigative methods of dysphagia are divided in clinical and instrumental assessments, which require protocols to conduct their practices. The aim of this study was to list information about protocols used by speech therapists responsible for evaluation of swallowing in adults and the elderly at a public reference hospital, to compile guidelines and limitations of these instruments and to verify the need to elaborate a protocol adapted to the institution's needs. Methods: Qualitative study carried out in a public reference hospital. A total of six speech therapists who perform clinical and instrumental evaluations of swallowing in the adult and elderly population, answered a questionnaire, which sought information about the protocols used in clinical practice of participants. The obtained data were analyzed by the method of thematic content analysis. Results: Data were grouped in four thematic categories: Lacking items, Offer limitations, Guidelines and Limitations to instrumental examination. All participants reported using data collection protocols in their evaluations, mentioned their limitations and confirmed the need for the creation of an assessment protocol to meet the institution's demands. Conclusions: It was verified the demand for the creation of a protocol for the clinical and instrumental evaluation of swallowing in adults and the elderly, customized for the studied hospital. Guidelines and limitations in the instruments used by the participants were identified, which will contribute to the construction of a protocol adapted to the institution. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]