KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE RECOGNITION AND DIAGNOSIS OF FEEDING, SUCKING, AND SWALLOWING DISORDERS

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the level of knowledge and awareness of healthcare professionals regarding feeding, sucking, and swallowing disorders, as well as their understanding of the role of speech and language therapists in the diagnosis and tre atment of these disorders. The study was conducted on a sample of 51 healthcare professionals from public and private healthcare institutions in the Una -Sana Canton, using a questionnaire specifically designed for the purposes of this research. According t o the results, 56.9% of respondents had received formal education on dysphagia, while only 27.5% had undergone training in the field of pediatric feeding disorders. Clinical experience with dysphagia was reported by 64.7% of respondents, whereas experience with pediatric feeding disorders was reported by 25.5%. Although 68.6% of respondents reported being familiar with the distinction between the terms “dysphagia” and “feeding disorders,” only 29.4% demonstrated a professionally grounded understanding of th ese concepts. Participation in diagnostic procedures related to pediatric feeding disorders was reported by 9.8% of respondents, while 7.8% reported participation in therapeutic interventions. In cases of dysphagia, 35.3% of respondents reported involvemen t in diagnostic procedures, whereas 17.6% participated in therapeutic treatment. Only 7.8% of respondents identified the speech and language therapist as a key member of the multidisciplinary team. Respondents also assessed the strengthening of knowledge o n pediatric feeding disorders and dysphagia as being of high professional importance. The results indicate significant gaps in knowledge, education, and clinical * Correspondence author: Ajla Mahmutović Babić , Public Center for Social Work Cazin, Bosnia and Herzegovina E-mail: ajla_mahmutovic@outlook.com Ajla Mahmutović Babić, Mirela Duranović, Ana Madžar Čančar, Karolina Zečević Research in Education and Rehabilitation 2026; 9 (1): 254-266 DOI: 10.51558/2744-1555.2026.9.1.254 255 involvement among healthcare professionals, particularly regarding the recognition of the role of speech and language therapists, while respondents simultaneously express a high level of readiness for further professional development. These findings highlight the need for continuous and systematic education, as well as for strengthening interprofes sional collaboration.