Abstract
Introduction Dysphagia is a significant but underrecognized clinical issue in the intensive care
unit (ICU), and it is associated with various complications. Despite its clinical
importance, there is limited research and no Greek ICU-specific guidelines for managing
dysphagic patients. Additionally, only a few ICUs in Greece have dysphagia specialists,
specifically speech-language pathologists (SLPs) providing their expertise.
Objective Τo identify the current practices for dysphagia management (screening, assessment,
treatment) and gain insight into ICU directors' awareness/perceptions of the prevalence,
complications, and risk of dysphagia.
Materials and Methods We identified 138 Greek ICUs. Data were collected from ICU (including pediatric and
neonatal) directors, working in public and private hospitals, via a 24-item, anonymous
online questionnaire, within a 4-month period.
Results Our survey was completed by 45 ICU directors. Most participants (84.4%) reported
that dysphagia is a relevant clinical problem in their ICU, and 51.1% estimated a
frequency rate < 20%. Non-instrumental approaches are mainly utilized to screen and
diagnose dysphagia, whereas enteral nutrition and diet modifications are used to manage
dysphagia. Additionally, 64.4% of ICU directors agreed that SLPs are essential for
the management of dysphagic patients, and 66.7%, that awareness of dysphagia in their
ICU could be increased.
Conclusion The current study documented the methods and approaches used to manage dysphagic
patients in Greek ICUs. The ICU directors seem to recognize the clinical significance
of dysphagia and its complications. According to our findings, the employment of SLPs
could result in a more comprehensive and intensive approach and improve the quality
of care for these patients.
Keywords
dysphagia - critical care - intensive care units - survey
