A multicenter cross-sectional survey of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of geriatric nurses regarding dysphagia care.

Abstract

Dysphagia is common in the elderly population, and it can lead to complications such as aspiration, undernutrition, and psychological and social interaction disorders in the elderly and have a great impact on quality of life. This study aimed to understand the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of geriatric nurses regarding dysphagia care for elderly adults and to analyze the relevant influencing factors to improve care plans for elderly patients with dysphagia. A multicenter cross-sectional survey of 782 geriatric nurses from 17 hospitals in Sichuan Province was conducted using a questionnaire to determine their KAP regarding dysphagia care. The geriatric nurses' mean score for geriatric dysphagia-related knowledge was 55.30±0.61 (out of a total score of 100). The results of a univariate analysis showed that the geriatric dysphagia-related knowledge scores differed significantly among the nurses according to their age, education level, title, hospital level, and years of work experience (P<0.05). The multivariate regression results indicated that title, hospital level, and experience with caring for elderly patients with dysphagia were the main factors that influenced geriatric dysphagia-related knowledge scores. The geriatric nurses had acceptable practices and attitudes regarding dysphagia care, but their knowledge regarding geriatric dysphagia needs to be enhanced. Hospital administrators should provide targeted training to improve geriatric nurses' competency in dysphagia care and thus ensure the quality and safety of dysphagia care for elderly patients.