Successful management of dysphagia requires an integrated team approach and good communication between members of the team.

Team members involved in the management of dysphagia include:

  • Speech and Language Therapist: Responsible for the assessment and management of dysphagia.
  • Physiotherapist: Assesses and advises on optimal positioning and physical impairments.  They also provide chest physio where necessary.
  • Occupational Therapist: Assesses physical and cognitive functioning and advises on any adaptive cutlery or other equipment that may be required.
  • Dietitian: Supports the provision of modified diets and thickener for liquids, will assess the person’s nutritional status and advise on any supplements required. Will arrange the provision of liquid foods and advise on feeding regimes if the person requires nutrition via a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) or Naso-Gastric (NG) tube.
  • Nursing staff are responsible for contributing to the assessment process, the day-to-day care of the person with dysphagia in hospital settings, implementing treatment strategies and highlighting any concerns regarding changes in the person’s abilities or health in relation to dysphagia. They are vital to the successful implementation of the dysphagia management plan, for ensuring the patient receives adequate nutrition and regular medication safely.  They are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for the person with dysphagia.
  • Care/support staff will support the person with dysphagia in community settings. They are responsible for ensuring the implementation of the dysphagia management plan, maintaining a safe environment and for raising any concerns regarding changes in the person’s abilities or health with respect to dysphagia.
  • Medical staff support the health of the patient, make recommendations for medication changes to support the management of dysphagia, treat any medical consequences arising from dysphagia (e.g. chest infections) and take responsibility for decision making in the implementation of enteral feeding.
  • Family and friends are crucial to the successful management of dysphagia. They can support the person to understand and accept their dysphagia, give encouragement for rehabilitation and can often be the first people to note improvements or deterioration which can then be addressed. It is also vitally important that families are involved, assisted to understand the dysphagia and can help in the implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Other professionals may be involved in the management of dysphagia. These could include dentists, psychologists, social workers, kitchen staff etc.
  • The most important person, at the centre of the team, is the person with dysphagia. They should be involved, as much as possible, in all stages of the assessment and management process.  Their experience of dysphagia is central to the whole process.