"Dysphagic patient compliance with thickened liquid recommendations" by Carrie Potts

Author

Carrie Potts

Date Approved

2008

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department or School

Special Education

Committee Member

Sarah M. Ginsberg, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Chair

Committee Member

Willie P. Cupples, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Committee Member

Flora Hoodin, Ph.D.

Abstract

In light of the growing prevalence of dysphagic patients on Speech-Language Pathologists’ caseloads and the frequent prescription of thickened liquids as a treatment strategy (Garcia, Chambers & Molander, 2005; Low, Wyles, Wilkinson & Sainsbury, 2001; Robbins, Nicosia, Hind, Gill, Blanco, & Logemann, 2002), our limited understanding of the factors that contribute to patient adherence presents a significant challenge to the management of dysphagia. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the decisions patients make regarding dysphagia recommendations. Drawing upon adherence/compliance research from the field of behavioral medicine, the results of this study revealed a complex interplay of factors that lead to dysphagic patient adherence (or non-adherence) with thickened liquid recommendations. Finally, the data suggest directions for future research and potential clinical implications for improving patient adherence.

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