https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8955-9374
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Abstract
Objective
To establish a generally accepted Danish definition of dysphagia to enhance collaboration across sectors and professions.
Methods
The study was initiated by a multi-professional group of experienced researchers and board members of the Danish Society for Dysphagia. We used a modified Delphi methodology to achieve consensus among experienced health care professionals from different professions and contexts. The initial stage consisted of a literature search leading to the draft of different definitions followed by two Delphi rounds between professionals and a stakeholder consultation round.
Results
We conducted two Delphi rounds until one definition was clearly preferred. A total of 194 participants responded in round one, and 279 in round two. Both rounds had a broad representation of sectors and geography and most participants had worked with dysphagia for more than four years.
Conclusion
The preferred definition was ‘Dysphagia is a functional impairment that either prevents or limits the intake of food and fluids, and which makes swallowing unsafe, inefficient, uncomfortable or affects quality of life’. The definition was widely accepted among different health professional groups, patients and across sectors.
Acknowledgements
Paediatrician Iben Møller Jønsson, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Speech therapist Signe Grøn, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Denmark and Physical therapist Signe Secher, Hammel Neuro-Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Denmark for participating in the expert panel. Speech and language therapist Janne Schack, Dorset HealthCare University, United Kingdom for help with translation of the definitions.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval for the study was not sought as Danish law does not require ethical approval for questionnaire studies, nor give the option for this.