Effect of feeding management on aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with dysphagia

Objective To investigate the effects of feeding safety instructions and dietary intervention on aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with dysphagia. Methods The study included 40 long-term hospitalized elderly patients with dysphagia who needed oral intake. According to the voluntary and matching principle, participants were divided into the intervention group ( n = 20) and control group ( n = 20). We formed a multi-disciplinary team including clinical nurses, rehabilitation therapists and nutritionists. Clinical nurses collaborated with nutritionists and rehabilitation therapists to carry out feeding management. The patients in the control group were fed with semi-solid food, thick liquid, a partial mushy diet and so on according to their swallowing situations and tastes or preferences. The patients in the intervention group were fed with an all mushy diet. Patients in both groups were able to eat foods on their own or with assistance. Results After a three-month intervention, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in both groups was decreased, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In the control group, seven patients had aspiration pneumonia, including two cases who died after nasogastric feeding due to aggravated dysphagia. In the control group, seven patients had aspiration pneumonia, including two cases was given nasogastric feeding due to aggravated dysphagia and then one case died. In the intervention group, four patients had aspiration pneumonia. There was no dropouts in either group. Conclusions Elderly patients with dysphagia require a multidisciplinary team to work closely with them to carry out feeding management. Nurses should conduct safety guidance for care catering and encouraging patients to actively eat a mushy diet. The diet can reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia, maintain oral intake and improve the quality of life.