Background:
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is rare and many health professionals do not have comprehensive understanding of this disease. Swallowing problems (dysphagia) often occur in MND. Little research has examined the lives of individuals with MND and their caregivers and no study was identified in relation to their experiences of dysphagia.
Research question:
What does it mean for people living with MND to experience dysphagia?
Aim: To gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of adults with MND and dysphagia and their caregivers in order to identify improvements in health practices. Methods: The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was chosen to collect and analyse the data. 10 individuals with MND and dysphagia and 10 caregivers will be recruited through purposeful sampling. Multiple semi-structured interviews will be carried out with each participant. Significance: This research could improve our understanding of dysphagia in MND, which may change our current perspective of care. It could highlight where the support is needed most, which should contribute to more effective ways of working with this population. It could contribute to better awareness of MND and dysphagia in the Irish society though wide dissemination of findings. It would allow for the voice of people with MND to be heard. It can provide directions for future research. This project is among the top research priorities for Speech&Language Therapists as per HRB 2010.
