Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Heather Morris.
Dysphagia is particularly common in elderly patients and may contribute towards difficulties in swallowing solid dose medications. Two recent community surveys have revealed that the problem might be more prevalent in primary care than previously thought. The community nurse is particularly well placed to help identify patients with dysphagia and provide appropriate support and advice.
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For more than 20 years, joint appointments between nursing education and nursing service have been recommended as a strategy to foster excellence in nursing education and nursing practice, bridge the theory-practice gap, and promote clinically relevant research. This article discusses the termination of a joint-appointment initiative after research that had demonstrated its success in terms of benefits to both agencies and satisfaction for the incumbents in the positions. It presents the value and vulnerability of joint academic-clinical agency joint appointments based on critical analysis of the academic literature juxtaposed with our research and subsequent experience with four joint appointments between a faculty of nursing and a home-care agency. Top-level administrative support and understanding of the potential of such positions are crucial for the nurses involved, and the positions themselves become vulnerable in times of change and fiscal restraint.
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) is relatively common in the general population, but the prevalence increases with age and poses particular problems in the older patient, potentially compromising nutritional status, complicating the administration of solid medications, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia and undermining the quality of life. The repercussions of dysphagia are not only physical but also emotional, affecting patient morale and leading to feelings of social isolation. There are various causes, including carcinoma, stroke and advanced Alzheimer's disease. The diverse range of causes may manifest in a number of different ways, but should always act as a warning sign, which requires further investigation. Management is multidisciplinary, depending on the underlying cause, extent of dysphagia and likely prognosis. This article examines the incidence, causes and management of dysphagia, based on a review of recent literature. The focus is on the nurse's role in the management of this challenging disorder with particular emphasis on the care of the elderly patient.
Dysphagia is common among older patients. Its impact can be profound can swallowing difficulties can not only undermine the quality of life and exacerbate malnutrition but also complicate medication administration. Tablet crushing and capsule opening are widespread, yet few health care professionals are aware of the pharmacological or legal aspects of these practices. This article examines some of the causes of dysphagia in older patients, its impact on medication management and practical ways for nurses to meet this challenge.