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Semin Speech Lang 2020; 41(03): 257-265
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710561
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ethical Issues in Dysphagia Management

Paula Leslie 
1   School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
,
Dominika Lisiecka
2   Department of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, Institute of Technology Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
3   School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 June 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Dysphagia management is complex and requires balancing individuals' preferences, quality of life, and medical consequences. Ethical challenges are not uncommon given the complexity of dysphagia. Professionals must engage in ethical reflection and shared decision-making when managing dysphagia. Recognizing one's own presuppositions and beliefs may be fundamental to ensuring an ethical approach. The goal of this article is to apply principles of ethics using hypothetical case studies of dysphagia. To this end, we will describe the challenges of working with the disorder of dysphagia; the influence of culture on decision-making about eating and feeding; the importance of information disclosure and respect for individuals' refusal of recommendations; and the interplay of ethical reflection, evidence, and clinical judgment when making complex dysphagia management decisions. These concepts should be kept in mind to ensure compassionate and competent care of the person with eating, drinking, or swallowing problems and their family caregivers.

Keywords

ethics - decision-making - consent - dysphagia - discretion
 

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