Living with Swallowing Problems
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Living with Swallowing Problems – a qualitative study exploring the challenges faced and support strategies used by adults with dysphagia
IRAS ID
171755
Contact name
Sarah Drabble
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Living With Swallowing Problems – a qualitative study exploring the challenges faced and support strategies used by adults with dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a common symptom found in a range of diseases and can contribute to chest infections, weight loss and dehydration. In hospital and residential care settings staff are trained to manage dysphagia and provide food and drink of the appropriate consistency.
Studies have looked at how well professionals and organizations understand and manage dysphagia but much less is known about the perspectives of the people who live with dysphagia. In the home environment individuals are required to deal with swallowing problems as part of their daily lives which may be burdensome and impact on quality of life.
Only a few studies exist relating to the experience of living with dysphagia and their scope is restricted as many focus on populations with cancer diagnoses. More research is needed into the experience of people , with a broader range of disorders, living in their own homes who have problems swallowing.
This study aims to find out about the experience of living with swallowing problems. In particular what do people describe as the challenges of living with dysphagia and what is useful in helping them to cope with these challenges? The results will help us to know whether people with swallowing problems have enough of the kinds of support that they find useful.
A qualitative single centre study with 10-12 participants using a semi-structured topic guide will be conducted to discuss swallowing problems and support strategies. Each participant will undertake a 60-90 minute interview. It is a non funded study carried out in part fulfillment of a masters level qualification in clinical research. All participants will be known to the speech and language therapy service of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHSFT.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
15/WS/0026
Date of REC Opinion
4 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion