Abstract
Elderly patients operated for hip fracture are characterized by high age and high degree of comorbidity and need of care, factors previously found to be associated with swallowing and eating difficulties. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of swallowing and eating difficulties in an elderly postoperative hip fracture population and to identify factors associated with swallowing and eating difficulties. A cross-sectional multi-center pilot study was performed, including patients ≥65 years, operated for hip fracture, and able to participate in a swallowing and eating assessment. A clinical assessment was conducted using Danish versions of the standardized tools Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test and Minimal Eating Observation Form-version II. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were examined. A total of 78 patients (mean age 81.4 years (SD 7.8), 30.8% male) were included. Swallowing and eating difficulties were present in 60 patients (77%). Swallowing and eating difficulties were significantly associated with living in a nursing home before hospital admission (p = 0.014), low habitual New Mobility Score (p = 0.018), and absence of cardiac comorbidity (p = 0.023). The results underline the importance of focusing on swallowing and eating difficulties in elderly patients operated for hip fracture to ensure effectivity and safety and optimize the prognosis for the patient.
Highlights
According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), swallowing is classified as “functions of clearing substances, such as food, drink or saliva through the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus into the stomach at an appropriate rate and speed” (b5105)and eating as “carrying out the coordinated tasks and actions of eating food that has been served, bringing it to the mouth and consuming it in culturally acceptable ways, cutting or breaking food into pieces, opening bottles and cans, using eating implements, having meals, feasting or dining”(d550) [1]
Swallowing and eating difficulties were significantly associated with living in a nursing home before hospital admission (p = 0.014), low habitual New Mobility Score (p = 0.018), and absence of cardiac comorbidity (p = 0.023)
We found four studies focusing on dysphagia
Summary
According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), swallowing is classified as “functions of clearing substances, such as food, drink or saliva through the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus into the stomach at an appropriate rate and speed” (b5105)and eating as “carrying out the coordinated tasks and actions of eating food that has been served, bringing it to the mouth and consuming it in culturally acceptable ways, cutting or breaking food into pieces, opening bottles and cans, using eating implements, having meals, feasting or dining”(d550) [1]. Swallowing and eating difficulties include dysphagia, which is defined as a geriatric. The ability to swallow and eat efficiently and securely depends on the presence or absence of dysphagia. Other prerequisites are the ability to adopt and maintain a good sitting position, the ability to handle the food on the plate and transport it to the mouth, the ability to manipulate the food in the mouth, and having enough energy to eat a complete meal [3,4]. Dysphagia and eating difficulties have been reported to be highly prevalent among the elderly [2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
