A Comprehensive Review Of Quantitative Literature On Swallowing Challenges In Adult Patients With Oral Dosage Forms

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review was to identify and critically evaluate the existing body of evidence concerning challenges related to the administration of solid oral dosage forms (SODFs), such as tablets, to inpatients across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term stay units (LTSUs). The literature search was conducted in September 2021 and repeated in June across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and ProQuest. Data from each eligible study, including details such as author, publication year, country, participant count, title, follow-up duration, study design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection methods, relevant outcomes, and key findings, were collected and organized using a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet. Among the 3,023 records initially identified, a final selection of 12 articles was included in the systematic review.

Out of these twelve studies, seven reported on the prevalence of challenges associated with swallowing SODFs, with rates ranging from 10% to 34.2%. Additionally, nine of the twelve studies documented the methods employed to address issues related to SODFs, with tablet crushing being the most commonly cited approach. Given the significant prevalence of swallowing difficulties and the subsequent practice of crushing medications in response to these challenges, concerns are raised about the potential for medication administration errors to occur.