The lives of over four million people suffering with dysphagia could be improved according to a new white paper addressing dysphagia management. Launched by Care England – the representative body for independent providers of adult social care – and dysphagia management specialist, OHK, the white paper seeks to transform care practices across the UK and promote life-changing solutions.
This comprehensive report advocates for a sector-wide transformation in dysphagia care through expert-led training, validated frameworks and sustainable practices.
Without effective intervention, the risk of choking related fatalities is high. In addition, complications such as recurrent chest infections and aspiration pneumonia are also a high risk, each with the power to drastically diminish an individual’s quality of life while simultaneously inflating healthcare costs.
Validated frameworks and expert-led training
The white paper focuses on the Eating, Drinking, Swallowing Competency Framework (EDSCF) and International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), to highlight the importance of correct texture modification of foods and liquids to improve nutrition, health outcomes and quality of life for those living with dysphagia.
James Ball, Co-Founder and Director of OHK, a key collaborator on the report, states: “Data from our pilot studies conducted with NHS Trusts and private care settings reveals that implementing validated frameworks and training strategies can reduce choking incidents by up to 85%. We’ve seen sustained success across a variety of settings, and we feel that it’s now time to push for further action across the whole adult social care sector, so even more individuals can benefit from improved care strategies and lead safer, healthier, happier lives.”
“Despite its prevalence, dysphagia is often incorrectly, or underdiagnosed due to insufficient training across all staff levels, leading to preventable suffering and increased healthcare costs,” says Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England. “This white paper highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation and a comprehensive, whole-team approach to training and knowledge-sharing to address these gaps and improve patient outcomes. Every care team member should be equipped to recognise the symptoms of dysphagia and confidently recommend appropriate next steps. Without empowering entire teams, we risk exacerbating issues like malnutrition and, in some cases, avoidable deaths.”
Building a workforce for the future
Although the white paper is focused on social care, its comments resonate for those caring for patients with dysphagia in healthcare settings as well. It insists that a well-trained workforce is critical to effective dysphagia care, and emphasises the importance of:
• Leadership development to address staff turnover and promote team cohesion
• Ensuring consistent and up-to-date knowledge and skills competencies across all roles involved in eating, drinking and swallowing
• Mapping resources to best practice guidelines and maintaining their effectiveness at the point of delivery
• Transparent management systems to ensure quality assurance in dysphagia care.
“There is a common but misguided assumption that weight loss and increased frailty are inevitable for those in care due to age or illness. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Many underlying conditions can exacerbate these symptoms, and it is essential for all staff to recognise the health cues that indicate the need for action and tailored care. By providing every team member with expert-led training on validated frameworks such as the EDSCF and IDDSI, we can ensure consistent, high-quality care for individuals with dysphagia. This approach will allow us to help so many more individuals lead healthier, happier and longer lives,” Martin adds.
Transforming Dysphagia Care Together
This white paper offers practical solutions for caregivers across all organisations to understand how to best identify and manage dysphagia within their setting, to improve patient outcomes and ultimately, quality of life.
“As momentum builds to address these challenges, it’s vital that the health and social care industry sustains and amplifies its focus on dysphagia care,” continues James. “This report is both a call to action and a practical guide to improving lives through validated, impactful solutions.”
