ABSTRACT

Objective : This study has been conducted to identify the status of dysphagia therapy by occupational thera-pists in Korea, and to provide a substantial material for development of dysphagia therapy.Methods : This study analyzed 137 survey questionnaires given to occupational therapist in general hospitals and professional rehabilitation hospitals, which were sent out and collected by mail from June 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009.Results : While dysphagia therapy is actively conducted by rehabilitation hospitals, care hospitals, general hospitals and university hospitals based on various therapeutic techniques nationwide, due to an improved awareness of occupational therapists and increased demand on treatment, some problems have come to light, including the amount of unattended time for designated treatment, lack of objective evaluation, and most of all, insufficient knowledge of therapists.Conclusion : At this point in time, when dysphagia therapy is being recognized as an important professional field, it is necessary to strengthen the overall professionalism through active environment improvements and acquisition of relevant knowledge. Also, further concrete and in-depth studies linked with various academic areas are necessary in order to acquire qualitative upgrade in evaluation and treatment of dysphagia.