Deglutição no idoso

: perceção dos diretores técnicos das estruturas residenciais para pessoas idosas do distrito de Braga

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the perceptions of technical directors of Residential Structures for the Elderly (ERPI) in the district of Braga regarding swallowing and the management of dysphagia in institutionalized elderly individuals. The relevance of the topic is linked to the high prevalence of dysphagia within this population and its potential health impacts, such as malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. The general objective was to analyse the perceptions of the technical directors concerning swallowing, exploring their knowledge of dysphagia, the practices adopted for its management, and the challenges faced. The research followed a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews conducted with 27 technical directors of ERPI, representing all 14 municipalities in the district of Braga. Data collection was supplemented by an analysis of co-occurrences and strength coefficients, aided by ATLAS.ti software. The results indicate that, although the importance of swallowing and the risks associated with dysphagia are recognized, there are still gaps in the specific technical knowledge necessary for more effective management of the condition. The technical directors report difficulties in implementing standardized protocols and in hiring qualified professionals for the formation of multidisciplinary teams. The implications of this study highlight the need for continuous training within ERPI and the creation of public policies that ensure the availability of specialized resources. It is concluded that, although the technical directors recognize the importance of proper swallowing, the limitations they face compromise the implementation of adequate preventive and rehabilitative practices.

Date of Award	31 Oct 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Manuel Fonseca (Supervisor)