Dysphagia, the medical term for swallowing difficulties, affects 8% of the global population and can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, which can have fatal consequences.
The report is the first in a series entitled, ‘TheKnowledge: Dysphagia: The Hard to Swallow Truth’, which examines and highlights the scale and impact of dysphagia.
Lee Sheppard, director of public policy and external affairs at apetito, said: “It is not surprising that many of us will experience this condition which can lead to further severe health problems, and yet our research has shown that 70% of healthcare professionals (HCPs) say there is a worrying lack of help, education and training around dysphagia.
“Indeed, 53% of HCPs felt that a lack of access to potential solutions such as texture modified foods directly contributed to aspiration in patients and 47% felt that this lack also directly led to malnutrition in those living with the condition. Overall, 73% were concerned about the nutritional intake of their dysphagia patients.”
In response to the report, Sheppard has called for increased levels of training and investment in healthcare professionals as well as more support for organisations to provide better information and signposting and dignified standards to be upheld by regulators.
To read the report, click here.