Bedside evaluation for dysphagia in Jordan

Abstract

Aim: To explore the implemented procedures of bedside evaluation for patients with dysphagia by Jordanian healthcare professionals. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in five public and five private healthcare institutions in the central and northern areas of Jordan (Amman and Jerash). Participants were healthcare professionals from different disciplines. They were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire concerning the implemented bedside evaluation procedures for dysphagia in their facilities. Results: A total of eighty-six participants completed the survey. Thirty-nine (45.3%) were males and 47 (54.6%) were females (age range 22-55; mean: 31.6 years). When asked about beside evaluation procedures, 63 (73.3%) of the participants reported oral examination as a common bedside evaluation procedure followed by case history reports (60;69.8%), then observing patients’ complaint/report of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (44; 51.2%). Compared with other professionals, speech language pathologists had more knowledge about procedures involved in bedside evaluation for dysphagia conditions. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals’ knowledge about procedures involved in dysphagia bedside evaluation in Jordan is insufficient.