Swallowing management of institutionalized older adults by nursing technicians: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the daily management of swallowing complications of older adults in centers, which generally assumes that the technician or auxiliary nurses (tens) are the ones in charge of their feeding. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted with a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory. A focus group and in-depth interviews were performed with 18 nursing technicians and assistants from 3 long-stay facilities in Araucanía, Chile. Data were analyzed through open and axial coding, obtaining 6 analytical categories on this situation. Results: The tens and auxiliary feeding reported to have no knowledge of the use and relevance of these maneuvers and reported that these were learned via the observation of other traveling professionals within the center and were not a product of interdisciplinary training. Conclusion: Given the context and the limitations derived from the formation of tens, there is the need to increase their knowledge and improve their practices related to swallowing and feeding, with the aim of reducing the risk of occurrence of situations that aggravate the health of older adults. The relevance of these centers incorporating qualified professionals in the management of swallowing disorders, who would also contribute to improving these aspects, based on coordinated work with the rest of the team was also discussed.