Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effects of a training workshop for caregivers of patients with dysphagia after stroke. Methods A total of 176 patients with deglutition disorder after stroke and their direct caregires in the neurological rehabilitation unit of a rehabilitation center in a tertiary hospital in Shenyang from January to December 2020 were selected and divided into the control group and the experimental group according to their admission date. Caregivers in the control group received regular health education while caregivers in the experimental group received training workshop on swallowing and feeding skills. Before and after the intervention,the caregivers in the two groups were assessed the knowledge of dysphagia. Besides,the swallowing function scores of patients in the two groups were assessed at admission,1 month and 3 months after discharge. Results After three months,the caregivers’ knowledge score of dysphagia management in the experimental group was 22.67±3.45,and it was 18.14±2.29 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups（t=10.326,P=0.001）. The generalized estimating equation showed that the scores of swallowing function of patients in the two groups 1 month after discharge and 3 months after discharge were higher than those at admission（P<0.05）. The swallowing function scores of patients in the experimental group 1 month and 3 months after discharge were higher than those of patients in the control group（P<0.05）. Conclusion Workshop training on caregivers of patients with dysphagia after stroke can improve caregivers’ swallowing and care skills,and thereby improve the swallowing function of patients.

Key words: Stroke, Deglutition Disorders, Feeding Behavior, Workshop, Caregivers