Poster on Dysphagia-specific Food Procedures: Usability and Impact

Using a Visual Poster Communicating Dysphagia-specific Food Procedures as a Complementary Means of Information to Caregivers in Inpatient Care: Usability and Impact

The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of a poster containing information on dysphagia-specific food procedures at two levels: utility from the point of view of patients' caregivers, and impact on patients' health. Half the patients will have the poster placed in their room, whereas the other half will not.

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can be associated with clinically relevant complications, and caregivers can play a fundamental role in this process, namely because they feed the patient. However, studies show a lack of professional-caregiver communication in dysphagia, and caregivers' need for more information. Communicating dysphagia-specific food procedures through a visual poster might bridge professional-caregiver communication gaps, with consequences for the patient's health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with post-acute dysphagia (lesion occurring at least six weeks prior, approximately),
• remaining in inpatient care for at least one month after the first moment of data collection,
• 18 years of age or older,
• receiving regular visits from their family members or caregivers.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Failing to meet inclusion criteria