Clinical Decisions Regarding Patients With Dysphagia and Palliative Care

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) that care for patients with dysphagia are uniquely aware of the physiology of swallowing and how important eating is to patients and their family members. We live in a very food oriented society. When evaluating and treating patients, SLPs utilize evidence-based medicine to ascertain a plan of care with the ultimate goal of achieving a functional swallow. We follow ethical principles to assist the patient in achieving the best functional swallow possible during their current illness. However, what happens when the patient has a progressive terminal illness with a possible poor outcome? SLPs can also play a key role in opening the door for patients to be introduced to palliative care.