Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate elderly adults with dysphagia. The study focused on patients’ understanding of dysphagia, the consequences associated with dysphagia, and dysphagia treatment. A total of 10 participants who suffered from dysphagia completed an interview-survey regarding their understanding and opinions of their dysphagia treatment. They were also asked if they understood the consequences associated with dysphagia. The results revealed patients were mainly unaware of their dysphagia treatment. More specifically, they did not know what was considered treatment and why that treatment was being used. However, participants did understand the consequences associated with dysphagia. The researcher discusses the implications of the study’s findings for clinical practice and patient education and makes recommendations to investigate speech-language pathologists’ education methods and to observe dysphagia patients during mealtime.
Advisor
Furey, Joan
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
Berk, Lanie B., "Why Am I Drinking This Pudding Water? An Investigation of Patients’ Understanding and Opinions of Dysphagia and Dysphagia Treatment" (2016). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7361.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7361
Publication Date
2016
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2016 Lanie B. Berk