dysphagia matters

EP 27: Exploring medical ethics in dysphagia management with Paula Leslie

dysphagia matters

Show Notes

In this episode we speak to Dr. Paula Leslie and explore the ethical considerations that shape patient care. Paula discusses the delicate balance between benefits and risks that must be maintained specifically in the management of dysphagia. She also provides insights into real-life ethical dilemmas and shares global perspectives that influence our clinical practice as dysphagia clinicians working with our patients. We hope you will join us on a journey through the moral compass of medical decision-making.

Literature that we discuss:

Alagiakrishnan, K., Bhanji, R. A., & Kurian, M. (2013). Evaluation and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia in different types of dementia: A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 56(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2012.04.011

Leslie, P., & Lisiecka, D. (2020). Ethical Issues in Dysphagia Management. Seminars in Speech and Language, 41(03), 257–265. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1710561

Leslie, P., & Lisiecka, D. (2022). Ethical considerations in the care of people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery, 30(3), 182–187. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOO.0000000000000803

Singer, P., & Viens, A. (Eds.). (2008). The Cambridge Textbook of Bioethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511545566

More from dysphagia matters

Jul 27, 2026

Tracheostomy care is a highly specialised clinical area, but when it comes to infants and children, the complexities multiply. Pediatric care requires a completely unique approach that accounts for anatomical differences, developmental milestones, and family dynamics.

Jun 29, 2026

When we think of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), we usually think of snoring, disrupted sleep, and daytime fatigue. But there is a critical link between OSA and dysphagia. In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Ankita Bhutada from Northwestern University to explore how upper airway collapse and chronic respiratory disruption can profoundly impact swallowing function.

May 31, 2026

What do you do when patients report severe swallowing difficulties, but all structural and neurological exams come back normal? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Anna Miles about her paper “Functional dysphagia: Developing a framework for assessment and treatment”. We explore why terms like “psychogenic dysphagia” or “phagophobia” are outdated, look into the neurobiological underpinnings of the condition, and discuss practical, biopsychosocial strategies for speech and language therapists.

Apr 27, 2026

What if a microphone and a few sensors placed on the neck could detect dysphagia; without access to FEES or videofluoroscopy, maybe even without a dysphagia specialist in the room?

Mar 31, 2026

Dysphagia is an under-recognised but clinically important complication following cardiac surgery. In this episode, Prof. Cara Donohue discusses why dysphagia can occur despite surgery being anatomically distant from the swallowing mechanism. We explore the complexities of dysphagia in patients post cardiac surgery, highlighting risk factors, prevalence, assessment methods, and potential interventions. Cara shares her research findings and clinical perspectives, emphasising the importance of early detection and proactive management to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

See all episodes →