Implications of health professionals' awareness and involvement in oropharyngeal dysphagia management on inpatient outcomes in a National Hospital in Kenya: a case study.

INTRODUCTION

The complex, multifaceted nature of oropharyngeal dysphagia calls for all health professionals to be aware and involved in its management. Drawing on the WHO's Interprofessional Collaboration model, this study assessed the implications of health professionals' awareness and involvement in the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia among inpatients in the acute care facility of a national (level-six) hospital in Kenya. The research questions were (1) what roles do health professionals play in the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia among adult inpatients in the acute care facility of a Kenyan national hospital? (2) what implications do health professionals' awareness and involvement in oropharyngeal dysphagia management have on the outcomes of inpatients in the acute care facility of a Kenyan national hospital diagnosed with this condition?

METHODS

This study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive design. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with 15 health professionals handling dysphagia inpatients in the facility. The resulting data were transcribed verbatim, analysed thematically and presented through narrations.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that health professionals perform several oropharyngeal dysphagia management roles that fall into two broad complementary categories: those contributing directly to oropharyngeal dysphagia management and those supporting patients with the condition. However, some participants were uncertain of their roles in dysphagia management. The analysis also identified several potential implications of health professionals' awareness/non-awareness and involvement/non-involvement in oropharyngeal dysphagia management. The implications were grouped into three themes: patient outcomes, professionalism and the healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased involvement of all health professionals in the facility in oropharyngeal dysphagia management may result in improved patient outcomes and professionalism. As a recommendation, the hospital's management should implement programmes emphasising holistic collaboration among health professionals working in its acute care facility to facilitate oropharyngeal dysphagia management and enhance patient outcomes.