Exploring the experiences of people with swallowing difficulties when eating outside the home

Investigating social eating in people with swallowing difficulties

Many people with MND experience difficulties with swallowing, also called dysphagia. Research has suggested that social relationships for people with dysphagia are impacted by challenges linked to eating with others (social eating).  

The researchers would like to explore the lived experiences of people with swallowing difficulties and eating outside the home. This could refer to eating in cafes or restaurants, or with other people. The researchers hope that this study will help to better understand the impact of swallowing difficulties on social identity, and eating around others. The researchers also hope to identify how people with swallowing difficulties can be better supported in social eating. 

How will this study help people with and affected by MND now and/or in the future?

The researchers hope that the results of this study will lead to a better understanding of the experiences of people with swallowing difficulties, and how support could be improved in the future.