Mauricio Venegas Ramírez
Fonoaudiólogo en neurorrehabilitacion Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, ChilePresentation Title:
Tecnología y humanizacion en paliativos
Abstract
Dysphagia is a disorder that impairs swallowing, leading to physical, emotional, and social consequences such as malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and social isolation. While traditional interventions can be effective, they often fall short in addressingthe complex needs of patients with severe dysphagia. This study explores an innovative approach: the use of stabilized edible foam (SEF) to stimulate swallowing and enhance quality of life in patients with severe dysphagia.A qualitative study was conducted with 11 patients from the Home-BasedHospitalization Unit at Sótero del Río Hospital. Over the course of one week, each patient received SEFmade from their preferred liquid, following a specific protocol. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect patient experiences, which were then coded and analyzed qualitatively. Data triangulation was used to strengthen the validity of the findings.Participants reported improvements in sensory perception and swallowing ability, as well asa reduced chokingsensation. Emotionally, there was a decreasein frustration and social isolation, and a high level of satisfaction with the treatment, which supported therapy adherence.Although the results are not generalizable due to the small sample size, the use of SEF appears to be a promising strategy for managing severe dysphagia. Its high acceptance suggests it could effectively complement conventional treatments, offering an innovative approach that enhances both swallowing function and emotional well-being.
Biography
Mauricio Venegas Ramírez, a speech-language pathologist from Gabriela Mistral University, is continuing his studies in swallowing at the University of Chile. He currently work at Dr. Sótero del Río hospital in the neurorehabilitation program, where I have been for the past six years.
He has also conducted academic studies on the management of patients in palliative care.