Thickened liquids are the most frequent intervention in the hospital to prevent aspiration in patients with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) (Garcia & Chambers, 2010a; Robbins, Gangnon, Theis, Kays, Hewitt, & Hind, 2005), however, they are the least recommendation to be adhered to, with a 36% of adherence (Low, Wyles, Wilkinson, & Sainsbury, 2001). Poor compliance with the use of thickeners can result in malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, decreased quality of life (QOL), and even death (Garcia & Chambers, 2010a). Due to the absence of convincing scientific evidence on how to manage these issues and the need of healthcare professionals to emphasize not only longevity of life but also QOL, this investigation was designed. This study examined the effect of two types of thickeners on the fluid intake and QOL of patients with dysphagia in the acute care setting. This investigation was a single-subject alternating treatments design (Atr). Three participants, aged 61-75, with a diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia were recruited in the acute care setting and completed a total of six treatment sessions. Results of this investigation revealed a higher fluid intake with powder thickened beverages (>324mL) than with pre-thickened beverages. The overall QOL revealed the same preference for the taste of both type of thickeners (mean score of 3.9), preference to the texture and thirst-quenching abilities of powder-thickened beverages (mean scores of 3.7 vs. 3.6 and 3.9 vs. 3.6, respectively), and predilection for the appearance of pre-thickened beverages (mean score of 3.8 vs. 3.6). These findings support existing research about decrease oral intake and discontent when consuming thickened liquids.
Keywords: powder-thickened beverages, xanthan gum thickeners, dehydration, swallowing problems
