Knowledge levels and learning needs in dysphagia management: perspectives from professional and non-professional stakeholders in five european countries

Remón, Sara (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Ferrer-Mairal, Ana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Bradauskiene, Vijole ; Cortés, Ana Cristina ; Sanclemente, Teresa (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Objectives: Dysphagia represents a significant global health concern with particularly high prevalence in specific clinical conditions, yet educational gaps persist among healthcare professionals and caregivers. This observational, cross-sectional quantitative study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current self-perceived knowledge and learning needs among stakeholders involved in dysphagia management.

Methods: An international online survey was conducted in five European countries (Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Spain, and Turkey) with 463 participants: 297 professionals (healthcare and non-health specialists, educators, students) and 166 non-professionals (patients, family members, caregivers, interested individuals). Two structured questionnaires explored self-perceived knowledge, learning needs, relevancy of thematic areas, and preferred learning methods. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for statistical comparisons.

Results: Professionals reported higher self-perceived knowledge than non-professionals (p < 0.001), yet both groups expressed comparable needs for further education. Priority learning areas varied by respondent profile: “Identification & Treatment” was prioritized by both speech-language pathologists and healthcare specialists, as well as by non-professionals, while dietitian-nutritionists focused on “Diet & Nutrition” and “Food Preparation”. Short-duration courses and visual, hands-on learning tools were preferred across groups.

Conclusions: This study highlights a broad demand for dysphagia education among professionals and non-professionals. Tailored, technology-enhanced learning programs could bridge existing knowledge gaps, strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, and support better daily management of dysphagia.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13233140

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Healthcare (Switzerland) 13, 23 (2025), 3140 [18 pp.]
ISSN: 2227-9032

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Nutrición Bromatología (Dpto. Produc.Animal Cienc.Ali.)
Área (Departamento): Área Tecnología de Alimentos (Dpto. Produc.Animal Cienc.Ali.)