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Learning Objective 1: Dysphagia is a common problem among the elderly
Learning Objective 2: It is pertinent to ensure that each patient has an individualized medication regimen
Aim: This study is an account in discovering the encounters of older people with dysphagia taking their medication.
Background: Dysphagia is a common problem notably among the elderly and it affects the digestion of food, fluids and medication. With the number of older people increasing and at present dysphagia has become a major problem in terms of medication administration and therapy.
Method: In 2011, we carried out interviews with 11 patients in a restructured hospital in Singapore. These patients had different grades of dysphagia. The interview records were analyzed using the Colaizzi technique.
Results: Six inter-related themes were distinguished from the data. They are 1) the wide variety and spectrum of dysphagia, 2)Medication formulation, 3)information discussion between patients and health care professionals, 4)circumstances affecting medication observance, 5)approaches used to enhance swallowing & 6) the fundamental purpose of swallowing as eating and drinking.
Conclusion: It is essential to ensure that each patient has an individualized medication program and for patients with dysphagia the formulation of the medicine is as significant as the active ingredients
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