Exploring the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life of children and young people: A scoping review.

Tracks
4
Adolescent
Dysphagia
Paediatric/Infant
Swallowing
Friday, June 13, 2025
10:55 AM - 11:05 AM

Overview

Dr Rebecca Smith


Details

⏫ Research insights
⏲️ 10.55am - 11.15am
⌛ 20-minutes
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)


Presenter

Agenda Item Image
Dr Rebecca Smith
Western Sydney University

Exploring the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life of children and young people: A scoping review.

10:55 AM - 11:15 AM

Presentation summary

Objectives: Dysphagia, swallowing difficulties, is a common concern for children and young people with cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and those born prematurely. There is also a growing body of research around the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life. However, little is currently little known about the impacts of dysphagia on the quality of life, participation, and inclusion of children and young people (2-24 years). Our scoping review examined the impacts of dysphagia and the associated interventions on the quality of life, participation and inclusion of children and young people with dysphagia. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was completed following a modified PROSPERO protocol. Five academic databases were searched using a set of search terms related to dysphagia, quality of life, and children/ young people. The search was limited from 2019 to May 2024 to include literature published since a prior scoping review examining the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life across the lifespan. Results: 9,588 citations were retrieved and 76 articles were included. Further analysis of included papers identified that only 11 of the included papers examined quality of life using qualitative or mixed research methods. Fifty of the included studies were quantitative in nature thus did not provide an in-depth description of the lived experiences of participants. A further 12 papers were reviews, and 13 papers only included participants over 18 years of age where participants were classed as adults. Finally, two papers exampled the topic from the perspective of allied health professionals who play an essential role in dysphagia management. Conclusion: Further qualitative research is needed to more richly understand the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life from the perspective of children, young people, their caregivers, and allied health professionals.

Refrences

Krasaelap, A. (2023). Understanding pediatric dysphagia: A multidisciplinary approach. Current Pediatric Reports. 11, 245–252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-023-00311-5
Morton, R., Minford, J., Ellis, R., & Pinnington, L. (2002). Aspiration with dysphagia: The interaction between oropharyngeal and respiratory impairments. Dysphagia, 17(3), 192-196. https://doi.org/10.1007/200455-002-0051-x
Smith, R., Bryant, L., & Hemsley, B. (2023), Dysphagia and quality of life, participation, and inclusion experiences and outcomes for adults and children with dysphagia : A scoping review. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 7(1), 181-196. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_PERSP-21-00162 Uhm, K.E., Yi, S.H., Chang, H.J., Cheon, H.J., & Kwon, J.Y. (2013). Videofluoroscopic swallowing study findings in full-term and preterm infants with dysphagia. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 37(2), 175-182. https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2013.37.2.175

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Dr Rebecca Smith is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist who works at Western Sydney University as a Lecturer in Speech Pathology. Before joining the Western Sydney University team in 2024, Rebecca worked as a Lecturer in the department of Speech Pathology at the University of Technology Sydney. Rebecca finished her PhD at the University of Technology Sydney in 2022 which examined the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life, participation, and inclusion. The project also examined the feasibility of using 3D food printing to improve the quality of life of people with dysphagia who require texture-modified meals. Rebecca received a Post Graduate scholarship from NHMRC to complete this project (2020-2022). Rebecca completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle where she received 1st Class Honours and the University Medal. Rebecca also currently works part time in a private practice with children with developmental disabilities.

The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.

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