Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is common following stroke. It significantly affects quality of life and places patients at risk of pneumonia, malnutrition and death. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure patients with dysphagia remain safe. This paper provides a review of current practice in the UK and current evidence in the management of dysphagia following stroke. The roles of the dietitian, nurse, pharmacist and speech and language therapist in dysphagia management are discussed. The article focuses on the acute phase of stroke management and short-term management of swallow safety as well as nutrition, hydration and pharmaceutical needs.

Mary McFarlane - Principal Speech and Language Therapist Stroke & Acute, Northwick Park Hospital, London, England

Anna Miles - Professional Teaching and Research Fellow, Speech Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Preetpal Atwal - Specialist Stroke Dietitian, Northwick Park Hospital, London, England

Paresh Parmar - Specialist Stroke Pharmacist, Northwick Park Hospital, London, England