Policy: Management of Dysphagia for Adults with a Learning Disability This policy is for use within the Learning Disabilities Directorate only Executive or Associate Director Lead Policy author/lead Feedback on implementation to Mike Hunter, Medical Director Phillipa Allen, S< Clinical Lead (Supported by Mel Long, S< and Anita Winter, Service Director) Phillipa Allen, S< Clinical Lead. Document type Policy Document status Final Date of initial draft September 2016 Date of consultation October 2016 Date of verification October 2016 Date of ratification 10 November 2016 Ratified by Executive Directors Group Date of issue 15 November 2016 Date for review 31 October 2019 Target audience Specialist Dysphagia Professionals Keywords Dysphagia, adults, learning, disability, disabilities Policy Version and advice on document history, availability and storage This is version 2 of this policy. This policy replaces the previous version issued October 2006. This policy will be available to all staff via the Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust Intranet and on the Trust s website. The previous version will be removed from the Intranet and Trust website and archived. Word and pdf copies of the current and the previous version of this policy are available via the Director of Corporate Governance. Any printed copies of the previous version (issued October 2006) should be destroyed and if a hard copy is required, it should be replaced with this version. 1 P a g e
Contents Section Page Flowchart 3-4 1 Introduction 5 2 Scope 5 3 Definitions 5 4 Purpose 6 5 Duties 6 6 Process 8 6.1 Identification 8 6.2 Assessment 8 6.3 Management of dysphagia need 9 6.4 Non-oral feeding 10 6.5 Admission to acute hospital 10 6.6 Training and competencies 11 7 Dissemination, storage and archiving 11 8 Training and other resource implications 11 9 Audit, monitoring and review 12 10 Implementation plan 12 11 Links to other policies, standards and legislation (associated 12 documents) 12 Contact details 13 13 References 13 Appendices Appendix A Version Control and Amendment Log 14 Appendix B Dissemination Record 15 Appendix C Equality Impact Assessment Form 16 Appendix D - Human Rights Act Assessment Checklist 17 Appendix E Development, Consultation and Verification Record 19 Appendix F Policy Checklist 20 Appendix G Dysphagia Protocol 22 Appendix H - Dysphagia Prioritisation Form Adult Learning 27 Disabilities 2 P a g e
Flowchart Referral received by CLDT access and referral coordinators Pass immediately to dysphagia trained professional. If none available, place in orange Dysphagia folder and email all professionals Initial Dysphagia screening form to be completed with two working days (Appendix) High priority will be seen by Dysphagia trained professional within 10 working days (See Dysphagia Protocol Appendix G) Low priority to be seen by Dysphagia trained professional within 4 weeks of initial screening (See Dysphagia Protocol Appendix G) Eating and Drinking Assessment Discussion with the person/carer about the nature/frequency of the difficulty Past history Observations Current medical status chest infections/uti May request a medical history from the GP SaLT will repeat assessment at different meals or in different settings as appropriate May include onward referral to Videofluoroscopy, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Dietician No intervention needed Report to referrer, GP and service user and discharge Plan of care Aim person to eat and drink safely and pleasurably Interim eating and drinking guidelines will be issued Complete DRAM risk assessment Formal report and guidelines o Advice on food and drink consistencies o Positioning o Pacing o Communication o Strategies/manoeuvres o Environment o Training of carers and report to referrer and GP, e.g. request 3 for P a g e thickener
Evaluate outcome of management Repeat observation and discussion with carers Not Achieved Outcome Achieved Stable for 2 months Not meeting nutrition/hydration needs or at high risk of aspiration If carers not following plan consider safeguarding process Discharge Report Give information on how to rerefer Feedback form sent out Discussion regarding alternative feeding 4 P a g e
1. Introduction The Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust s Learning Disabilities Directorate is committed to providing a high standard of care to all service users. As part of that care, procedures are in place for the identification, assessment and management of service users at risk of dysphagia and difficulties with swallowing. In 2004, the report by the National Patient Safety Agency (NaPSA) identified dysphagia as one of the most significant health risks to people with learning disabilities. If not managed safely this can lead to respiratory tract infections and possible death. Hollins (1998) found that respiratory disease was the leading cause of death in 52% of the adults with Learning Disabilities compared with 17% of the general population. Professional guidance from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (2014) outlines the importance of competence in the assessment and development of individual treatment plans. It recognises that interventions must take account of the best interests of service users when unable to give consent regarding modified diets and non-oral feeding (Mental Capacity Act, 2005). Cultural issues for service users and their families must also be considered as part of any assessment and intervention. The elements of the policy include: Provision of timely and effective assessment Management of risks of dysphagia Development of strategies to support appropriate nutrition and hydration in cases of dysphagia Advising and supporting carers to meet the day-to-day needs of a person with learning disabilities and dysphagia 2. Scope This policy has been developed in relation to adults (16+ years who have left school) with learning disabilities and associated health conditions. This includes adults with a dual diagnosis of learning disabilities and mental health, who meet the eligibility criteria for learning disabilities services. While the general principles have application to other service user groups, specified processes may not be directly transferable. For some service users, there may be a progressive deterioration that will require management over the longer term, in association with the service user s General Practitioner and other clinicians. This policy applies where the individual s underlying learning disability is a significant factor in the assessment and management of the dysphagia and they are therefore best managed by the specialist Community Learning Disabilities Team, in conjunction with other primary and secondary health services. Where dysphagia results from an acquired condition (e.g. stroke), the Specialist Dysphagia Clinician has discussion and works collaboratively with mainstream health services to support them to provide an appropriate service. 3. Definitions Dysphagia - a swallowing impairment, symptoms may include; difficulty, discomfort or pain in swallowing. There may be difficulty in the oral preparation for swallowing, such as chewing and tongue movement or in protecting the airway during the swallow itself. 5 P a g e
Disruption of swallowing can have serious effects, with complications such as malnutrition, pulmonary aspiration (fluid or food going into the lungs instead of the stomach), and the emotional and psychological problems associated with not being able to eat properly. In some service users there may be no problem with the swallowing reflex, but cognitive problems may also result in disorganised eating or drinking, eating too much too fast without attention to safety; spitting out food/fluids, prolonged chewing and holding food/fluid in the mouth. The cognitive deficits associated with learning disabilities can have a drastic impact on the individual s ability to eat and drink safely especially when combined with other neurological or neuro-motor factors. There may also be problems with dentition or a weakness in the lips, tongue or muscles of the mouth, which can result in difficulties with eating and drinking. Dysphagia is also associated with a wide variety of congenital and acquired disorders, which may be present as part of the overall health picture of the service user e.g.: Cerebral Palsy Stroke Parkinson s Disease and drug induced Parkinsonism Dementia Neurodegenerative disorders Specific syndromes including Retts Syndrome, Prader-willi Syndrome, Down s Syndrome Learning Disability (LD) the government white paper Valuing People defines learning disability as a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn new skills (impaired intelligence IQ less then 70) coupled with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) that started before adulthood with a lasting effect on development. 4. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance to clinicians, professionals and managers working within the Learning Disabilities Directorate. It is also relevant to other trust staff who are concerned that an adult with a learning disability may be experiencing dysphagia. It aims to ensure safe and effective management for service users with suspected or actual dysphagia. Reducing risk as far as is possible to prevent respiratory illness and other health complication associated with dysphagia. 5. Duties 5.1 Chief Executive The Trust Board has ultimate responsibility and ownership for the quality of care, support and treatment provided by the Trust. This includes the implementation of the Policy and ensuring its effectiveness in the delivery of good practice with regard to the management of Dysphagia. Demonstrating strong and active leadership from the top; ensuring there is visible, active commitment from the Board and appropriate board-level review of good practice with regard to the management of dysphagia Ensuring there is a nominated Executive Director leading on the Board s responsibilities with regard to the management of dysphagia 6 P a g e
Ensuring there are effective downward and upward communication channels embedded within the management structures; to ensure the communication of the need for all staff to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to the management of dysphagia Ensuring finances, personnel, training, care records and other resources are made available so that the requirements of this policy can be fulfilled Ensuring all health and social care staff take responsibility for meeting the requirements of this Policy; Maintaining on-going accountability for good practice regarding the management of dysphagia through management roles and responsibilities. 5.2 Service Director Senior Managers and Directors have responsibility for developing, implementing, reviewing and updating the Trust s policies and procedures as an integral part of day-to-day operations. They have a duty to take all practicable measures to ensure that health and social care staff pay due regard to the management of dysphagia. These include the following: Providing leadership and direction with regard to the management of dysphagia Ensuring staff receive any relevant training and supervision dysphagia Ensuring the implementation of this policy is monitored through clinical audit, service user or staff surveys or other appropriate methods Ensuring improvements are made to staff performance around the management of dysphagia where necessary Ensuring suitable access, arrangements, IT provision and support and documentation are provided to enable staff to record the management of dysphagia in the care record. 5.3 Team, Ward and Departmental Managers Team, Ward and Departmental Managers have responsibility for: Ensuring the dissemination, implementation and monitoring of this Policy through existing staff forums; Ensuring all staff they manage, pay due regard to issues around the management of dysphagia; Ensuring all staff follow Trust policy and any relevant professional regulatory body guidance on the management of dysphagia (e.g. RCSLT Royal college of Speech and Language Therapists). Ensuring that staff are conversant with the Policy and associated procedures and documentation and that they understand the importance of complying with its requirements; Ensuring practice around the management of dysphagia is monitored through audits, staff surveys, service user surveys and any other appropriate way of monitoring and taking active steps to remedy any deficiencies found; Allocating the necessary resources to achieve the goals of this policy. 5.4 Individual Employees All health and social care staff working for the Trust have a responsibility to: Always be mindful of the importance of the management of dysphagia Become familiar with and abide by this Policy and all associated procedures, guidelines and documentation; 7 P a g e
Abide by the code of ethics and practice and any associated guidelines on the management of dysphagia defined by their professional regulatory body e.g. GMC, NMC, RCSLT; Undertake relevant training about the management of dysphagia as required by the Trust; Undertake regular clinical supervision and seek advice on any areas of difficulty or complexity with regard to the management of dysphagia; Seek advice and report any concerns with regard to colleagues practice around the management of dysphagia to the appropriate manager or clinical supervisor. 5.5 Dysphagia Accredited Professionals Dysphagia accredited professionals within the Learning Disabilities Directorate provide: Dysphagia assessment, advice and management Training around dysphagia awareness within the Learning Disabilities Directorate Access to training for other stakeholders. 6. Process: Management of Dysphagia 6.1 Identification Staff must alert their manager of any service user who is showing symptoms of Dysphagia. These symptoms must be recorded in the service user s notes. If symptoms are identified (refer point 3 above for definitions) a referral should be made to the Community Learning Disability Team. For medical emergencies e.g. choking, serious chest infection, medical advice or input must be sought immediately. Following this, a dysphagia review must be requested from the Community Learning Disabilities Team. It is the service provider s responsibility to ensure a Risk Assessment is completed for any service user identified as being at risk of Dysphagia. The risk assessment will be written in line with the service provider s local risk management policies and procedures. For non-emergency situations, referral for further specialist assessment must be made via the Community Learning Disability Team. The service provider must always obtain consent from the service user prior to the dysphagia referral being sent to the Community Learning Disability Team. Where a service user is unable to consent the Best Interests Decision process must be followed. The Dysphagia trained professional from the Community Learning Disability Team will complete a DRAM on insight for each service user recording any risk due to dysphagia. 6.2 Assessment Referrals to the Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT) must be submitted using the CLDT Health Referral Form (refer Appendix H), attaching any additional screening and risk assessment forms that have been carried out locally. Internal referrals (from clinician to clinician) within the CLDT must be submitted using the internal referral form. Any dysphagia concerns raised at an assessment clinic will be recorded on the assessment clinic paperwork. However an internal referral form should also be completed immediately. All referrals are passed to an accredited Specialist Dysphagia Professional on receipt. The referral is screened over the telephone by a dysphagia trained clinician, within 2 working days of receipt so as to ensure a timely response to urgent referrals; provide initial advice; and to comply with Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists recommended response times. 8 P a g e
All referrals are acknowledged according to Community Learning Disability Team standards. The service user is seen for their initial Dysphagia assessment as follows: o Urgent referrals (e.g. acute onset, sudden deterioration, coughing / choking where no previous care plan in place) within 10 working days. o Non-urgent referrals (e.g. on-going difficulties, previous care plan in place, behavioural issues) within 4 weeks. o Assessment includes: observation of the service user, discussion with the carers and family members if appropriate. o Assessment considers issues such as differing consistencies, positioning, general medical status and history of chest infections, service users and carer s perception and understanding of the problem. o Where a service user accesses multiple settings, the assessment period may extend over several weeks to consider issues relating to consistency of approach, service user s relationships etc. The Specialist Dysphagia Professional will liaise with other professionals within the Community Learning Disability Team to ensure a holistic approach to assessment and management, including Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Community Nursing, Psychology, and medical staff. Where appropriate the service user will be referred on for further investigations e.g. Videofluroscopy. The Specialist Dysphagia Professional will liaise with health colleagues and provide the service user and carer with appropriate information and support. Where an individual is identified as having dysphagia and therefore an on-going risk, guidelines will be provided. These will be discussed with the carer (and other appropriate individuals) and a record will be made on Insight. It is the responsibility of the service provider manager to ensure that local care plans are up-to-date and new information is shared with all staff working with the individual. All other relevant services must also be informed and provided with a copy of the dysphagia guidance by the service provider. Specialist Dysphagia Professionals are part of the Community Learning Disability Team. Any contact with service users is recorded electronically on Insight, in accordance with the dysphagia notes protocol. 6.3 Management of Dysphagia Need The service provider is responsible for ensuring appropriate risk assessments are completed for developing and overseeing the implementation of appropriate care plans. Support staff must ensure on-going records are maintained in the service user s support plan in accordance with their organisations protocol. Developing the service users overall support plan and risk management plan is the responsibility of the service provider but must include all recommendations made by the Specialist Dysphagia Professional who assessed the individual and/or gave further advice. The support plan must reflect the views and cultural needs of the individual and his/her family in relation to eating and drinking where possible. Following assessment and any further investigations, the Specialist Dysphagia Professional will ensure written guidelines are provided to the service provider/carer. The guidance may include recommendations regarding: o Appropriate equipment (i.e. utensils, crockery, suction etc.) o Environmental considerations (i.e. positioning in the room, background noise, others present etc.) o Observation or supervision needs o Seating and positioning both during and after the meal o Modification of food and drink o Type of assistance required and any special feeding techniques 9 P a g e
o Administration of medication o Oral hygiene o Processes for on-going monitoring o Details of how to contact the Specialist Dysphagia Professionals and other relevant services if required e.g. if the situation deteriorates The Specialist Dysphagia Professional provides information and support to enable carers to implement any relevant guidelines relating to dysphagia need. Modification of food and drink may include the use of thickening products. These will usually be prescribed by the service user s General Practitioner on the advice of the Specialist Dysphagia Professional. The service provider is responsible for ensuring that staff have the necessary skills to implement the guidelines and that these training needs are met. This may require the involvement of other services and agencies outside of the Community Learning Disability Team. If on-going reviews are required by a Specialist Dysphagia Professional the frequency of them will be agreed between the service provider support staff and the Specialist Dysphagia Professional. Once the situation is stable and an effective management plan is in place, the service user will be discharged with clear guidance on how and when to re-refer. On discharge, the Specialist Dysphagia Professional will send a summary of the management plan to all relevant professionals and carers and a copy will be held in the Insight record of the service user. 6.4 Non-oral Feeding When continued oral feeding is assessed as posing a significant risk to the service user s health, the Specialist Dysphagia Professional will have a discussion with the service user, carers and all other relevant professional staff (i.e. General Practitioner or RMO) to consider all of the options available including non-oral feeding. The discussion will take into account risks and quality of life issues. Where a service user is unable to consent the Best Interests Decision process must be followed for any referral made. If there is agreement, referral to Gastroenterology colleagues will be made by the medical practitioner for an opinion about whether alternative methods of feeding are advisable. When non-oral feeding is being introduced, care regarding non-oral feeding becomes the responsibility of the PEG Team at the Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and in line with the PEG pathway. The Specialist Dysphagia Professional may remain involved if a mixed feeding regime is introduced or considered at a later date. If non-oral feeding is not agreed as the best course of action, the Specialist Dysphagia Professional will remain involved with the service user to advise on strategies for minimising the on-going risk. If the service user lacks capacity a further best interest meeting must be held and the Specialist Dysphagia Professional will remain involved while strategies are agreed, following the Dysphagia Pathway to minimise on-going risk. 6.5 Admission to Acute Hospital Following admission to hospital, regardless of cause, dysphagia management becomes the responsibility of ward staff and specialist dysphagia professionals within the acute hospital. The service provider must provide the acute hospital with the relevant information on admission of the service user, in line with the agreed admission protocols for people with learning disabilities. 10 P a g e
Where dysphagia management is an issue the hospital Speech and Language Therapy Team, will contact a Community Learning Disability Team Specialist Dysphagia Professional to ensure transfer of information and appropriate on-going management. The hospital Speech and Language Therapy Team, will contact a Community Learning Disability Team Specialist Dysphagia Professional to advice about discharge. 6.6 Training and Competencies The Specialist Dysphagia Professional has completed an accredited post-graduate level course (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists) and receives regular supervision in relation to dysphagia. Dysphagia Awareness Training for service provider support staff can be accessed through the Sheffield City Council Moorfoot Training Department. It is the responsibility of the service provider to ensure staff are up-to-date with their training and knowledge regarding dysphagia and eating and drinking safety. The Dysphagia Awareness Training covers the nature of swallowing problems, general good practice and danger signals to be aware of, as well as referral routes. 7. Dissemination, Storage and Archiving 7.1 Trust A copy of the policy will be placed on the trust intranet within seven days of ratification and the previous version removed by Corporate Governance team. A communication will be sent to all trust employees informing them of the revised policy. Managers are responsible for ensuring the hard copies of the previous versions are removed from any policy/procedure manual or files stored locally. A copy of the policy will also be issued to the employment agencies with which the SHSC recruits agency workers. The Corporate Governance team will hold archives of previous version(s). 7.2 Directorate The policy will be shared with staff via professional meetings and supervision sessions to reinforce understanding and compliance with the policy. The policy will also be discussed at regular intervals at the Directorate Speech & Language Therapists Dysphagia Meeting where it will be reviewed and updated annually. The policy will also be stored on the Community Learning Disability Team shared drive, in the Standard Operating Protocols Folder and a paper copy will be stored in the Standard Operating Protocols Folder, which is located with the Business Support Team. 8. Training and other Resource Implications Training implications will be reviewed on a regular basis and immediately should any dysphagia trained staff leave the Community Learning Disability Team. Training will be made available where necessary to maintain staffing levels at the national standard required. 11 P a g e
9. Audit, Monitoring and Review Monitoring Compliance Template Minimum Requirement Process for Monitoring Responsible Individual/ group/committee Timescale/ Frequency of Monitoring Review of Results process (e.g. who does this?) Responsible Individual/ group/ committee for action plan development Responsible Individual/ group/ committee for action plan monitoring and implementation Learning Disabilities Directorate to be assured that policy is being followed in their service Audit: application of policy and training compliance Service/Clinical Directors Annual S< Clinical Lead Directorate Speech & Language Therapists Dysphagia Meeting Clinical Governance Group 10. The Implementation Plan Action / Task Responsible Person Deadline Progress update New policy to be uploaded onto the Intranet and Trust website. Director of Corporate Governance Within 5 working days of ratification A communication will be issued to all staff via the Communication Digest immediately following publication. Director of Corporate Governance Within 5 working days of issue Managers are responsible for ensuring the hard copies of the previous versions are removed from any policy/procedure manual or files stored locally. SHSC Managers Within 5 working days of issue 11. Links to other policies, standards and legislation (associated documents) Mental Capacity Act (2005) Capacity to Consent to Care and Treatment Policy 12 P a g e
12. Contact Details Title Name Phone Email Speech and Language therapy lead CLDT Speech and Language Therapist Phillipa Allen 2262900 phillipa.allen@shsc.nhs.uk Mel Long 2262900 melaine.long@shsc.nhs.uk 13. References Understanding the patient safety issues for people with learning disabilities (2004); National Patient Safety Agency Mental Capacity Act (2005) Communicating Quality 3 (2006); Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists guidance on best practice in service organisation and provision Ensuring safer practice for adults with learning disabilities who have dysphagia (2009); National Patient Safety Agency Adults with Learning Disabilities Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists Position Paper (2010) 13 P a g e
Appendix A Version Control and Amendment Log Version No. Type of Change Date Description of change(s) 1.0 October 2007 Policy out of date and requires review and update 1.1 1.5 Updated during consultation 1.6 Reformatted for new policy document template V2 Review / ratification / issue September 2016 September - October 2016 October 2016 November 2016 Review of current policy commissioned by EDG. Amendments made during consultation, prior to ratification. Re-formatted for new policy document template. Appendices updated. Finalised and issued. 14 P a g e
Appendix B Dissemination Record Version Date on website (intranet and internet) Date of all SHSC staff email V2.0 Nov 2016 Nov 2016 via Communications Digest Any other promotion/ dissemination (include dates) 15 P a g e
Appendix C Stage One Equality Impact Assessment Form Equality Impact Assessment Process for Policies Developed Under the Policy on Policies Stage 1 Complete draft policy Stage 2 Relevance - Is the policy potentially relevant to equality i.e. will this policy potentially impact on staff, patients or the public? If NO No further action required please sign and date the following statement. If YES proceed to stage 3 This policy does not impact on staff, patients or the public (insert name and date) Stage 3 Policy Screening - Public authorities are legally required to have due regard to eliminating discrimination, advancing equal opportunity and fostering good relations, in relation to people who share certain protected characteristics and those that do not. The following table should be used to consider this and inform changes to the policy (indicate yes/no/ don t know and note reasons). Please see the SHSC Guidance on equality impact assessment for examples and detailed advice. This is available by logging-on to the Intranet first and then following this link https://nww.xct.nhs.uk/widget.php?wdg=wdg_general_info&page=464 AGE DISABILITY GENDER REASSIGNMENT PREGNANCY AND MATERNITY RACE RELIGION OR BELIEF SEX SEXUAL ORIENTATION Does any aspect of this policy actually or potentially discriminate against this group? Can equality of opportunity for this group be improved through this policy or changes to this policy? Can this policy be amended so that it works to enhance relations between people in this group and people not in this group? No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. No specific impact identified. No further action identified. Due consideration given in developing policy, particularly in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2015. Stage 4 Policy Revision - Make amendments to the policy or identify any remedial action required (action should be noted in the policy implementation plan section) Please delete as appropriate: Policy Amended / Action Identified / no changes made. Impact Assessment Completed by (insert name and date) Phillipa Allen, S< Clinical Lead 4 November 2016 16 P a g e
Appendix D - Human Rights Act Assessment Form and Flowchart You need to be confident that no aspect of this policy breaches a person s Human Rights. You can assume that if a policy is directly based on a law or national policy it will not therefore breach Human Rights. If the policy or any procedures in the policy, are based on a local decision which impact on individuals, then you will need to make sure their human rights are not breached. To do this, you will need to refer to the more detailed guidance that is available on the SHSC web site http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/human-rights/act-studyguide.pdf (Relevant sections numbers are referenced in grey boxes on diagram) and work through the flow chart on the next page. 1. Is your policy based on and in line with the current law (including case law) or policy? X Yes. No further action needed. No. Work through the flow diagram over the page and then answer questions 2 and 3 below. 2. On completion of flow diagram is further action needed? No, no further action needed. Yes, go to question 3 3. Complete the table below to provide details of the actions required Action required By what date Responsible Person 17 P a g e
Human Rights Assessment Flow Chart Complete text answers in boxes 1.1 1.3 and highlight your path through the flowchart by filling the YES/NO boxes red (do this by clicking on the YES/NO text boxes and then from the Format menu on the toolbar, choose Format Text Box and choose red from the Fill colour option). Once the flowchart is completed, return to the previous page to complete the Human Rights Act Assessment Form. 1.1 What is the policy/decision title?.. 1.2 What is the objective of the policy/decision?.. 1 1 1.3 Who will be affected by the policy/decision?.. 1 Will the policy/decision engage anyone s Convention rights? YES Will the policy/decision result in the restriction of a right? YES 2.1 2.2 NO NO Flowchart exit There is no need to continue with this checklist. However, o Be alert to any possibility that your policy may discriminate against anyone in the exercise of a Convention right o o Legal advice may still be necessary if in any doubt, contact your lawyer Things may change, and you may need to reassess the situation Is the right an absolute right? 3.1 YES NO 4 The right is a qualified right Is the right a limited right? YES Will the right be limited only to the extent set out in the relevant Article of the Convention? 3.2 3.3 NO YES 1) Is there a legal basis for the restriction? AND 2) Does the restriction have a legitimate aim? AND 3) Is the restriction necessary in a democratic society? AND 4) Are you sure you are not using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? YES NO Policy/decision is likely to be human rights compliant BUT Policy/decision is not likely to be human rights compliant please contact the Head of Patient Experience, Inclusion and Diversity. Get legal advice Regardless of the answers to these questions, once human rights are being interfered with in a restrictive manner you should obtain legal advice. You should always seek legal advice if your policy is likely to discriminate against anyone in the exercise of a convention right. Access to legal advice MUST be authorised by the relevant Executive Director or Associate Director for policies (this will usually be the Chief Nurse). For further advice on access to legal advice, please contact the Complaints and Litigation Lead. 18 P a g e
Appendix E Development, Consultation and Verification Phillipa Allen, S< Clinical Lead, wrote the policy with the support of Melanie Long, S< and Anita Winter, Service Director. The policy was taken to the Specialist Dysphagia Group for consultation and contribution to the formulation of the policy. The draft policy was verified by the Specialist Dysphagia Group following a total review and re-write in October 2016, prior to being sent for ratification by the Executive Directors Group. 19 P a g e
Appendix F Policies Checklist Appendix F Policies Checklist Please use this as a checklist for policy completion. The style and format of policies should follow the Policy Document Template which can be downloaded on the intranet. 1. Cover sheet All policies must have a cover sheet which includes: The Trust name and logo The title of the policy (in large font size as detailed in the template) Executive or Associate Director lead for the policy The policy author and lead The implementation lead (to receive feedback on the implementation) Date of initial draft policy Date of consultation Date of verification Date of ratification Date of issue Ratifying body Date for review Target audience Document type Document status Keywords 2. Contents page 3. Flowchart 4. Introduction 5. Scope 6. Definitions 7. Purpose 8. Duties 9. Process Policy version and advice on availability and storage 10. Dissemination, storage and archiving (control) 11. Training and other resource implications 12. Audit, monitoring and review This section should describe how the implementation and impact of the policy will be monitored and audited and when it will be reviewed. It should include timescales and frequency of audits. It must include the monitoring template as shown in the policy template (example below). 20 P a g e
Monitoring Compliance Template Minimum Requirement Process for Monitoring Responsibl e Individual/ group/ committee Frequency of Monitoring Review of Results process (e.g. who does this?) Responsible Individual/group/ committee for action plan development Responsible Individual/group/ committee for action plan monitoring and implementation A) Describe which aspect this is monitoring? e.g. Review, audit e.g. Education & Training Steering Group e.g. Annual e.g. Quality Assurance Committee e.g. Education & Training Steering Group e.g. Quality Assurance Committee 13. Implementation plan 14. Links to other policies (associated documents) 15. Contact details 16. References 17. Version control and amendment log (Appendix A) 18. Dissemination Record (Appendix B) 19. Equality Impact Assessment Form (Appendix C) 20. Human Rights Act Assessment Checklist (Appendix D) 21. Policy development and consultation process (Appendix E) 22. Policy Checklist (Appendix F) 21 P a g e
Appendix G Learning Disabilities Directorate Dysphagia Protocol ---------------------------------- Business support protocol ----------------------------- Written referrals received by ARCs. Telephone requests should be faxed or emailed through with written referral information ASAP. All requests for input including from hospital therapists must be on a referral form. NB: for recognition referrals may contain words such as swallowing problems/coughing or choking when eating, dysphagia, repeat chest infections. ARC to process referral as soon as possible with priority and pass to a dysphagia trained clinician/nurse for dysphagia prioritisation to be completed. Dysphagia Trained Clinicians/Nurses: Phillipa Allen, Mel Long, Paul Smallshaw, Carol Ann Windle, Lindsay Scott. Emma Taylor is a band 5 SLT and can complete screenings if no other trained professional is available If there isn t someone available to take the referral, place it in the orange folder in SLT lead s pigeon hole and e mail all dysphagia trained clinicians/nurses to inform them, tagging e mail as high priority. 22 P a g e
---------------- ------ Clinical allocation protocol --------------------------------- All dysphagia trained clinicians/nurses to check e mails daily for dysphagia referral alert. Clinician/nurse to check orange file and take referral for screening, send e mail to other clinicians/nurses to inform you have taken on the screening and have the paperwork. Fill in referral tab on dysphagia spreadsheet on W:\deptLearning Disabilities\CLDT\Shared CLDT\Dysphagia\Dysphagia Referrals NB. It is the responsibility of the clinician who picks up the screening to fill in the initial domains on the spreadsheet. Clinician/nurse to attempt to complete screening with 2 working days of receipt to team and upload to insight. Record time spent as C83.Screening form can be found: W:\deptLearning Disabilities\CLDT\Shared CLDT\Dysphagia\Dys Prioritisation form Sept 2014 Clearly record any advice given via phone on screening form. Please record any failed attempts to contact for screening on Insight. Fill in prioritisation section on spreadsheet. High Priority Low Priority Acute onset On-going Difficulties Sudden deterioration Guidelines already in place Increased coughing Deterioration Choking If no high priority identified risks Increased chest infections No previous care plan in place We do NOT provide an emergency service, if the referrer feels it is an emergency because of choking and or chest infections they should be directed to their GP or emergency services If high priority (to be seen within 10 working days of prioritisation being completed) and person screening has caseload capacity they should pick up. If they have no capacity or are not trained to carry out assessments they should e mail other clinicians/nurses to request they pick up. Referral paperwork should be past to clinician/nurse picking up. If no-one has caseload capacity referral should be past to SLT lead to allocate. If low priority (to be seen within 4 weeks, in line with SHSC Dysphagia Policy) inform SLT clinical lead by e mail and place referral information and copy of initial prioritisation form in orange folder, in SLT lead s pigeon hole, for allocation. Person picking up should respond to e mail copying in all clinicians so that everyone is aware the referral has been picked up. Update dysphagia caseload tab on spreadsheet RCSLT guidelines regarding response times to Dysphagia referrals; general response time from receipt of referral is 10 working days (not including weekends or bank holidays) See appendix A 23 P a g e
---------------------- Assessment/Intervention protocol --------------------------------- If initial assessment form is completed, W:\deptLearning Disabilities\CLDT\Shared CLDT\Dysphagia\Dysphagia Initial Assessment, scan to insight and/or record assessment observation/findings in insight notes. All insight notes must be written in line with the Dysphagia notes protocol. Record time spent face to face as C83 and discussion/advice with carer as P01 on Insight activities. If appropriate provide interim guidelines using NICE sheet. Complete recommendations sheets, send to client and staff team with covering letter. Complete DRAM Enclose monitoring sheets if necessary with clear instructions and time scale. Upload recommendation sheets to Insight and record time spent as C83/P01/N01. Book review visit / Offer telephone review. Any changes to recommendations follow protocol as above. Any activity or correspondence relating to dysphagia input must be recorded on insight and uploaded documents should be clearly referenced. Activity examples; videofluroscopy appointments/best interest meetings/staff training. 24 P a g e
---------------------- Discharge protocol --------------------------------- Ensure current guidelines are clearly labelled in Insight documents. On completion of input discharge letter should be sent to client/staff team/gp/referrer/professionals involved, as appropriate. Ensure this is uploaded to insight. Update DRAM SLTs should complete goal sheet, upload to insight and leave printed copy in Mel s post tray. Complete discharge column of spread sheet, W:\deptLearning Disabilities\CLDT\Shared CLDT\Dysphagia\Dysphagia Referrals. 25 P a g e
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Appendix H Dsyphagia Prioritisation Form Dysphagia Prioritisation Adult Learning Disabilities Name: Address: Referred by: Discussed with: DOB: Insight No: Date received: Date: Prioritisation will depend on a number of factors but frequent or severe coughing associated with chest infections or of recent onset should automatically be regarded as high priority. If there are no guidelines in place this would support prioritisation as high. The following questions should be asked: Is coughing frequent or severe? Is intervention ever needed? When did the problem start? Are guidelines in place? Were they being followed? How concerned are staff? How concerned is the client? Is there concern re: nutrition/hydration (e.g. weight loss)? Current medication (any recent changes?) Salivia Patches/Reflux/Diabetes/Epilepsy Meds What are client s physical abilities? Chest infections (current/history of) Ruttle / change in vocal quality during or after meals? Other: Priority: High / Medium / Low Reasons: Client Timetable: Date arranged for visit / Action taken: Any advice given: GP or other medical service informed: Signed: Date: 27 P a g e