22/07/2025
The impact of age and frailty on swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) during and after critical illness
Olivia Epps, the Speech & Language Therapy Lead for General Intensive Care at Southampton General Hospital wants to understanding swallowing problems after critical illness. This can occur when someone has needed help with breathing for a long time, or if they are very weak. The older and more frail you are, the more likely you are to experience dysphagia on critical care. But, it is unclear whether age or frailty also impacts the severity of the problem, or the recovery from it.
Olivia’s study aims to review the current evidence on this topic. She is looking for: Adults aged 65 or over who have been admitted to intensive care
and have experienced difficulties swallowing during or after their illness (e.g. coughing or choking on food or drink, a sticking feeling in your throat when eating and drinking, a wet sound to your voice or breath at mealtimes).
She also welcomes carers and immediate family members of people with lived experience of swallowing difficulties.
What the study will involve: Two 1-hour online sessions (one at the beginning
and once at the end of the project). She would like to hear your lived experience of swallowing difficulties during and after your intensive care admission and wants you to contribute your thoughts on the relevance and direction of the project.
Dates and times: Monday 4th August, 10:00-11:00
Venue: Online, please be aware that this meeting will be transcribed.
Payment: £25/hour, plus £5.00 data allowance for the whole meeting.
For more information or to request to take part please email:
publicinvolvement@uhs.nhs.uk with the subject "Swallowing Difficulties" by 29/07/2025 and someone will get back to you.
