Hong Kong Swallowing Therapy Clinic

The Hong Kong Swallowing Therapy Clinic provides comprehensive and one-stop swallowing assessments, treatments, and intervention services for individuals in need, helping them regain normal eating abilities. This clinic is the first private hospital in Hong Kong to fully implement the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). IDDSI offers clear guidelines for caregivers and healthcare professionals, enhancing dietary safety for patients with swallowing disorders. The clinic has a multidisciplinary team that designs and provides diverse safe swallowing menus aimed at improving patients' eating safety and quality of life.

Prevalence of Dysphagia

Local research indicates that over 100,000 people in Hong Kong suffer from swallowing disorders, with approximately 60% being elderly individuals in residential care and about 40% receiving day services.¹ Additionally, many undiagnosed "invisible patients" suggest that the true number may be even higher. Swallowing disorder patients often experience aspiration, which increases their risk of aspiration pneumonia, respiratory failure, and, in severe cases, can be fatal. These disorders can also lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and emotional problems.

Reference: Pu et al. (2015). Prevalence and risk factors for geriatric dysphagia. Retrieved from: HKU Scholars Hub

Primary Target Audience

The clinic primarily serves high-risk individuals with swallowing disorders, including: 

• Elderly individuals
• Cancer patients
• Patients with Parkinson's disease or cognitive impairments
• Patients with sarcopenia or neurological disorders
• Stroke patients

One-Stop Quality Swallowing Assessment Services

The clinic offers:

• Clinical swallowing assessments and screening for swallowing disorders 
• Instrumental swallowing assessments:
  • Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): This method involves inserting an endoscope through one nostril to guide the patient in swallowing various textures, consistencies, and colored foods and liquids. This assessment can be conducted during evaluation, treatment, or post-treatment to identify weaknesses in swallowing and risks of aspiration. FEES also helps identify effective swallowing compensation strategies and assesses the suitability for removing feeding tubes or intravenous nutrition.
  • Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS)
• Swallowing therapy
• Medication swallowing assessment services
• Oral care consultation and training services
• IDDSI consultation and referral services
• IDDSI level testing services
• Palliative feeding consultation services

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

The multidisciplinary team includes specialists from respiratory medicine, speech therapy, nutrition, and nursing, all of whom have a thorough understanding of swallowing disorder treatments. The team focuses on implementing IDDSI standards, adjusting the texture of foods and drinks, and using swallowing compensation strategies to feed patients safely. They also develop personalized treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the most appropriate care.