Level of Knowledge of Medical Practitioner of Diagnosing and Managing Swallowing Difficulties in Hospitalized Setting of Dhaka City

Abstract

Aim: To have a clear idea and explore the existing practice of medical practitioner about the proper diagnostic system and management of patient with adult dysphagia in a hospitalized setting. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative type of cross sectional survey study where 60 samples were assigned purposively from in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Enam Medical College Hospital, BRB Medical College Hospital. The self-modified a questionnaire was used for the study. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistical analysis (SPSS= Statistics package for social science) method. Results: On average, most of the participants 67% (40) are males and 33% (20) are females. The maximum number participants, 82% (49) in the age range (23-34) years. The researcher has showed the area of specialty of the respondents according to the inclusion criteria. In the study 11.7% (7) participants are gastroenterologist, 10% (6) are orthodontist, 16.7% (10) are ENT, 41.7% (25) are medicine specialist and 20% (12) are neurologist. Maximum number of participants working station 46% (28) are in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The duration of the study of the respondents on dysphagia out of the 60 respondents 30 studied for 2-3 hours. The respondents first encounter a patient with dysphagia. 46.7% (28) have seen in the period of 2012-2016. The frequency of the participants dealing with a patient having dysphagia the responses were categorized 46.7% (28) responded sometimes. The participants understand the role of SLT on diagnosing and managing dysphagia 52% (31) responded with yes. Conclusions: Dysphagia has emerged as a common complication due to stroke. More than 50% persons are affected by dysphagia after stroke (Smithard et al., 2007). This study consisted with medical practitioner from neurology, medicine, ENT, orthodontics and gastroenterology department. Both specialist and interns were part of this study. The referral level to SLT is also not satisfactory. Among 60 participants only 11 refer to SLT whereas 49 never or seldom refer to SLT. This showcases the lack of awareness on the role of SLT in diagnosing and managing of dysphagia. So, the proper collaboration of medical practitioner and SLT should be made so that the patient can get a proper treatment that will improve their condition.