[Development of a new screening instrument for screening of dysphagia in geriatric patients: the dysphagia screening tool geriatrics].

BACKGROUND

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is widespread in geriatric patients and is nearly always multicausal. It is often insufficiently recognized and leads to severe complications. The available and established screening tools all focus primarily on patients with neurological diseases, usually following a stroke.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The working group on dysphagia of the German Society of Geriatrics (DGG), which is comprised of physicians, speech and language therapists and dysphagia therapists, performed a literature review on dysphagia screening tools. Based on the results of the literature search and own experience, a new screening instrument suitable for geriatric patients was developed and agreed by the consensus group.

RESULTS

The new screening instrument for the detection of oropharyngeal dysphagia in geriatric patients consists of three parts: 1) consciousness and posture control while sitting, 2) ability to swallow saliva and to cough as well as tongue motility and 3) the water swallowing test. The screening can be applied by trained medical personnel and can easily be integrated into everyday practice.

CONCLUSION

The new screening tool is especially aimed at geriatric patients. It has advantages compared to previously recommended screening tests. Initial experiences with the instrument show good practicability and acceptance in geriatric teams. Further studies have to test the validity of the instrument.