Global Issues and Practices

5528V - Dysphagia Care Through COVID-19; Experiences of Sri Lankan Speech and Language Therapists Working in Dysphagia

ON-DEMAND

Format: Technical Research (Virtual)

Audience: International Affiliates, Related Professionals

Keywords: COVID-19, Dysphagia, Swallow-care, Low income countries, AGP

Presenting Author(s)

Bhagya Devagiri

Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

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Author Only (Not Presenting)(s)

Dinushee Atapattu-Bakmeewewa

Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
Gayanthi Kodituwakku

Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
Pramodhi Perera

National Hospital of Sri Lanka
Iroshika Karunanayake

Rehabilitation Hospital, Digana
Shermi Nanayakkara

Ratmalana Audiology Centre

The COVID-19 virus and its variants has led to unprecedented challenges across all healthcare services. This qualitative study explored the status of dysphagia practice in Sri Lanka through the pandemic. 50 Speech and Language Therapists working in government hospital settings participated. Changes were observed in caseload and patient management, with minimal adaptations to regular dysphagia practice protocols. Clinicians reported concerns for personal safety, limitations in the supply of safety gear, inadequate patient care, the lack of human and physical resources and the challenges in implementing and delivering a telepractice program for dysphagia. Findings provide an overview of dysphagia care in a low-middle income country during COVID-19 and enriches the global clinical experience of swallow care through the pandemic.

Learning Objectives:

Identify changes in dysphagia care during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in a LMIC setting
Identify challenges in dysphagia care during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in a LMIC setting
Identify strategies that were implemented by Speech therapists to overcome challenges faced in dysphagia care during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and to recommend the best practices for dysphagia care for speech therapists for LMIC settings