Christina H Smith1, Emma M Jebson2, Ben Hanson3. 1. Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1PF, UK. Electronic address: christina.smith@ucl.ac.uk. 2. Adult Speech and Language Therapy, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Middlesex HA1 3UJ, UK. 3. Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fluid thickeners are an important and commonly-used strategy to manage swallowing difficulties however there are no reports of the perceptions and experiences of parents of children using thickeners. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews of 14 parents having a child using fluid thickeners due to swallowing difficulties. RESULTS: Parents reported improvements in quality of life and health through the use of thickeners. They also reported persistent difficulties in the use of thickeners. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed unanimous goodwill and positive attitudes towards thickeners and their observed benefits, tempered by common difficulties with thickeners (variability and unpredictability). There remains scope for improvements of commercial thickeners and in information conveyed to users.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fluid thickeners are an important and commonly-used strategy to manage swallowing difficulties however there are no reports of the perceptions and experiences of parents of children using thickeners. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews of 14 parents having a child using fluid thickeners due to swallowing difficulties. RESULTS: Parents reported improvements in quality of life and health through the use of thickeners. They also reported persistent difficulties in the use of thickeners. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed unanimous goodwill and positive attitudes towards thickeners and their observed benefits, tempered by common difficulties with thickeners (variability and unpredictability). There remains scope for improvements of commercial thickeners and in information conveyed to users.
Authors: Cristiane G Rama; Fernanda B Bernardes; Maureen A Lefton-Greif; Deborah S Levy; Vera L Bosa Journal: Dysphagia Date: 2021-11-15 Impact factor: 2.733
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