노인요양시설 거주 노인을 위한 한국형 근거기반 연하장애 간호 프로토콜 개발

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based dysphagia nursing care protocol for nursing home (NH) residents in Korea. Methods: The protocol was developed based on international guidelines and literatures. After testing content validity by experts, the protocol was applied to the intervention group (n=35) for 4 weeks at one NH in December, 2011, whereas the control group (n=34) received routine care. Results: The protocol was composed of one-page algorithm and detailed guidelines. Algorithm pathway was organized in 3 parts, including screening dysphagia risk, grouping by dysphagia risk level, and assigning nursing care into each group. The nursing care included positioning, oral care, meal time care, diet modification, providing exercise and maneuver, and checking dysphagia signs and symptoms. The experts verified the content validity. Protocol was revised to fit NH practice after the participant observation. Clinical validity was established upon evaluating usefulness, appropriateness, and convenience of the protocol by NH nurses. Dysphagia risk of the intervention group was significantly decreased. Conclusion: Developed protocol will improve the quality of dysphagia care in nursing homes as it can serve as a consistent and integrated standard for nursing care of residents with dysphagia.