When patients aspirate on thin liquids, thickening liquids may help to prevent aspiration. We compiled a new brochure about adding thickness to liquids in 2014, and used it in giving thickener guidance to patients.

In this study, we surveyed 97 patients who received the guidance provided by medical staff, in order to assess how our guidance with the brochure affects patients, to evaluate the introduction of the brochure. In addition, we investigated on what patients place more importance regarding thickeners.

The results revealed that the guidance using the brochure was effective to improve the patients’ knowledge and motivation to use thickeners. We also found that the patients valued “easy to dissolve”, “recommendation from medical staff”, and “less change in taste” when choosing a thickener to purchase. Based on solid knowledge, medical staff should help patients learn how to thicken liquids in the proper manner.