Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
7029231 
Journal Article 
ESSD Commentary on Dysphagia Management During COVID Pandemia 
Schindler, A; Baijens, LWJ; Clave, P; Degen, B; Duchac, S; Dziewas, R; Farneti, D; Hamdy, S; Michou, E; Pokieser, P; Speyer, R; Walshe, M; Verin, E; Rommel, N; , 
2020 
Yes 
Dysphagia
ISSN: 0179-051X
EISSN: 1432-0460 
English 
33111204 
WOS:000584610500001 
Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic a Global Public Health Emergency, experts in swallowing are seeking guidance on service delivery and clinical procedures. The European Society for Swallowing Disorders provides considerations to support experts in swallowing disorders in clinical practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, assessment and treatment of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia should be provided, while at the same time balancing risk of oropharyngeal complications with that of infection of patients and healthcare professionals involved in their management. Elective, non-urgent assessment may be temporarily postponed and patients are triaged to decide whether dysphagia assessment is necessary; instrumental assessment of swallowing is performed only if processing of the instruments can be guaranteed and clinical assessment has not provided enough diagnostic information for treatment prescription. Assessment and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia is a high-risk situation as it must be considered an aerosol-generating procedure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used. Telepractice is encouraged and compensatory treatments are recommended.