Our programs at three public hospitals in Phnom Penh continue to ensure that patients with swallowing problems (dysphagia) are evaluated and treated by STC-trained clinicians. We have recently trained an additional 18 nurses and physiotherapists to screen incoming patients and identify swallowing problems.
Dysphagia screening involves giving the patient water to drink using a specific protocol and observing for signs of aspiration, such as coughing, choking, or voice changes.
The screening can help identify patients who are at risk of aspiration and need further evaluation by an SSTC-trained dysphagia clinician. The screening can also help rule out aspiration in patients who are able to complete the screening protocol without any symptoms.