Objective: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in Australia. The aim of this study was to evaluate practice patterns of Australian Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) managing dysphagia in People with PD (PwPD) to improve clinical dysphagia management and inform future research directions.

Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Australian SLPs involved in managing oropharyngeal dysphagia completed an online survey, evaluating their screening, assessment and intervention practices in relation to existing multinational consensus on dysphagia management in PD. SLPs’ perceived barriers and facilitators to managing dysphagia in PwPD were also explored.

Results: Eighty-five Australian SLPs completed the survey. Screening was most frequent in private clinics (n=12; 60%) and least frequent in aged-care settings (n=8; 27%). Non-standardised questionnaires were the most widely used screening tool across all settings. All SLPs reported using clinical swallow evaluations as part of assessment. Instrumental assessments (n=8; 10%) and patient reported outcome measures (n=24; 31%) were less commonly used.

Diet and/or fluid modifications (n=73; 99%) and postural changes (n=64; 86%), were the most common compensatory strategies recommended. Effortful swallowing (n=54; 73%) and chin-tuck against resistance (n=47; 64%) were the most common rehabilitation approaches. The majority of SLPs (n=56; 78%) reported patient factors (e.g., cognition, motivation) as the biggest barrier to dysphagia management.

Conclusion: This study establishes a benchmark of current practice patterns of Australian SLPs. These findings will inform national clinical practice guidelines and implementation strategies to improve adherence to evidence-based dysphagia management. Key areas of improvement include optimising screening practices and use of validated tools, especially in aged-care settings. Additionally, there is a need for increased collaboration between researchers and clinicians to promote adoption of evidence-based dysphagia rehabilitation for PwPD.

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Gandhi, P., Tangamornsuksan, W., Couban, R., Guyatt, G. H., Steele, C. M., & Marras, C. (2024). Adherence of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Parkinson Disease to Trustworthy Standards: A Systematic Survey. Dysphagia, 1-12

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