Post-stroke dysphagia: an analysis of the competences of the care processes of the interdisciplinary team

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the competencies of the interprofessional team in the care of dysphagic stroke patients. Methods: an exploratory-descriptive, qualitative study. The research participants i.e., nursing technicians, nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists and physicians that provided care to patients with stroke in the acute and subacute phase, were randomly selected. The study setting was a stroke unit and neurological ward of the neurology referral hospital for Ceará State, Brazil. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured and recorded interview. The recorded data were organized and analyzed, according to the thematic analysis technique proposed by Bardin. Results: based on the statements, three main categories were developed: “conceptualizing and identifying dysphagia”, “knowledge about the prevention of bronchoaspiration in stroke patients” and “bronchoaspiration as a complication of dysphagia”. The providers’ statements revealed that some experienced doubts and even unawareness about what dysphagia is. Conclusion: the present study showed a complexity of care for stroke patients with dysphagia. Therefore, this scenario reflects the need for continuing education in the service and for interdisciplinarity among professional categories.