Hospital management of the patient with dysphagia. Survey and recommendations of SEEN nutrition area

The prevalence of dysphagia in hospitalized patients is extraordinarily high and little known. The goal of care should be to assess the efficacy and safety of swallowing, to indicate personalized nutritional therapy. The development of Dysphagia Units, as a multidisciplinary team, facilitates comprehensive care for this type of patient. A observational, cross-sectional, web-based survey-type study, focused on Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition department heads, was conducted in September-October 2021. The following data were analyzed: size and type of center, existence of a dysphagia unit, dysphagia screening, dietary and nutritional therapy, education and training of professionals and patients, codification, and quality of life evaluation. 65 responses (39% of the total Endocrinology and Nutrition departments). 37% of hospitals have a Dysphagia Unit and 25% are developing it. 75.4% perform screening, with MECV-V in 80.6%, and VED (61.4%) and VFS (54.4%) are performed as main complementary tests. The centers have different models of oral diet, thickeners and nutritional oral supplements adapted to dysphagia. In 40% of the centers, no information is offered on dysphagia, nor on the use of thickeners, dysphagia is coded in 81%, 52.3% have specific nursing protocols and only 8% have scales for quality-of-life evaluation. The high prevalence and the risk of serious complications require early and multidisciplinary management at the hospital level. The information received by the patient and caregiver about the dietary adaptations they need, is essential to minimize risks and improve quality of life. La prevalencia de disfagia en pacientes hospitalizados es extraordinariamente elevada y poco conocida. El objetivo asistencial debe ser evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la deglución, para indicar un tratamiento nutricional personalizado. El desarrollo de Unidades de Disfagia, constituidas por equipos multidisciplinares, facilita una asistencia integral a este tipo de pacientes. Estudio observacional transversal tipo encuesta vía web, dirigida a los jefes de servicio de la SEEN, realizado en septiembre-octubre de 2021. Se analizaron: tamaño y tipo de centro, existencia de Unidad de Disfagia, cribado de disfagia, tratamiento dietético y nutricional, formación y capacitación de profesionales y pacientes, codificación y evaluación de la calidad de vida. Sesenta y cinco respuestas (39% de Servicios de Endocrinología y Nutrición). El 37% de los hospitale