P442 - KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF POST-EXTUBATION DYSPHAGIA AMONG ICU PROFESSIONALS

P442

KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF POST-EXTUBATION DYSPHAGIA AMONG ICU PROFESSIONALS

V. A. Fugas^1,2,3,*, P. Astegiano^1,2,3, M. D. Vago^2,3,4

¹Unidad de Soporte Nutricional, ²Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, ³Equipo Interdisciplinario de Disfagia, ⁴Servicio de Fonoaudiología, Hospital Dr. J.M. Cullen, Santa Fe, Argentina

Rationale: ICU professionals should know about Post-extubation Dysphagia (PED) and recognize their role in its interdisciplinary management. This survey, developed by nutrition and speech therapy professionals as leaders of the ICU dysphagia team, provides insights to guide education and improve care.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Argentina (December 16-20, 2024) to assess ICU professionals' knowledge and perception of PED. A total of 86 professionals (48% response rate) completed a questionnaire on PED’s definition, incidence, risk factors, signs, prognosis and perception. Chi-square tests and the Mann-Whitney U test compared population characteristics with responses.

Results: Respondents (31.4% male, 68.6% female, mean age 40) included 57% nurses, 30.2% intensivists and 12.8% physiotherapists, with 8 years of experience (IQR:12). 30.2% were unaware of PED's incidence, but 94.2% identified risk factors (intubation duration, age) and 84.9% recognized PED's association with worse outcomes. Significant differences were found between groups (χ2=11.564, p=0.021), with intensivists and physiotherapists providing more correct responses (Tau- b=0.337, p=0.000). 63.9% believed PED is underestimated, a perception associated with experience (median: 11 vs. 6, p=0.022). 83.7% stated timely PED evaluation improves quality of life, though 29.1% were unaware of its potential duration. 66.3% identified clinical signs correctly, with differences between groups (χ2=17.788, p=0.007). 59.3% recognized PED’s impact on prognosis, with physiotherapists and intensivists showing higher accuracy (χ2=13.503, p = 0.036, Tau-b=0.358).

Conclusion: Most ICU professionals recognize PED's risk factors and impact, but many remain unaware of its incidence, duration and perceive it as underestimated. Raising awareness, continuous education and standardized protocols are essential for better PED management.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared