This event on evaluation of dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) aims to bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and students to share the latest knowledge and best practices for assessing swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia is a serious condition that affects people of all ages but is particularly common among older adults and those with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Effective assessment of dysphagia is essential to prevent complications like malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
The purpose of this event is to highlight the latest research and innovative practices in dysphagia evaluation, improve clinical care, and encourage future research in this area. By connecting healthcare professionals across disciplines—including Speech and Language Therapists, Nurses, Medics, and Dietitians—this conference will foster collaboration and support the development of better care strategies for people with dysphagia.
This event is important because it addresses a growing healthcare need in Ireland, especially with an ageing population (CSO, 2024). By sharing knowledge and expertise, we can ensure that people with swallowing difficulties receive the best possible care, improving their quality of life and reducing the burden on healthcare services.
To make the conference outcomes widely accessible, presentations and training materials will be made freely available to attendees in line with the HRB Open Access Policy, ensuring that healthcare professionals can benefit from the knowledge shared at the event.
This conference aims to contribute to better healthcare policies, improved clinical practices, and increased awareness of dysphagia, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for people affected by swallowing difficulties.
