Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2015

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Elizabeth Roberts

Committee Member

Hardwick Johnson

Keywords

Assisted Feeding; Certified Nursing Assistants; Dysphagia; Feeding Techniques; Skilled Nursing Facilities

Abstract

Evaluating and Improving Feeding Techniques in Patients With Dysphagia. Shelley Bilu Farin, 2015: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler School of Education. ERIC Descriptors: Nursing Education, Nursing Homes, Speech Language Pathology, Physical Disabilities, Eating Habits Lack of knowledge and training, time constraints, and limited number of staff members are all contributing factors to inadequate assistance with feeding of patients with dysphagia. The researcher implemented a study to observe the accuracy of how certified nursing assistants (CNAs) feed patients with dysphagia, and, if by use of in-services, quality of care would be improved. The study used measurements via (a) standardized observations, (b) education and in-services, (c) pre- and posttests of the CNAs’ knowledge, and (d) documentation of progress via data collection and assessments. Participants were 12 CNAs at a skilled nursing facility in Florida. An in-service video was presented, including a question-and-answer session, illustrating proper feeding strategies with patients with dysphagia. A statistical analysis using a dependent-sample t test and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded noteworthy results, improving scores on an observational protocol when observed during mealtime and showing significant improvement on the knowledge posttest. The study was successful in showing that in-services have a positive impact on the quality of care provided by CNAs when feeding patients with dysphagia.

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