Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risks (EDAR) in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Clinicians in Japan and the UK

Eating and drinking are fundamental to life. However, older patients are often restricted with oral intake due to feared risk of aspiration. Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risks (EDAR) is an alternative process which enables comfort, dignity, and autonomy for these patients. While national guidance has been developed for EDAR in the UK, other ageing societies such as Japan do not have such guidance. To understand the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding the complex decision-making process around EDAR we planned a mixed methods study comparing the two countries. This was the qualitative phase of the study. Twelve healthcare professionals (two doctors, nurses and speech and language therapists each in Japan and the UK) participated in semi-structured interviews on their roles and experiences related to EDAR in older adults. We analysed the data thematically, and three themes emerged: (1) healthcare professionals and healthcare systems, (2) priorities in decision-making and (3) relationship with family and patient. There were many similarities but also differences across the countries, in the setting, training and individual experience. Decision-making was shaped by a complex combination of individual, structural and cultural factors, which indicated in the Japanese culture a greater likeliness to defer clinical decision-making and to side with families' wishes. Healthcare professionals' experiences and attitudes towards EDAR differed depending on various factors related with the individual and environment. The next quantitative phase of our research aims to establish the mechanism to increase confidence around EDAR in professionals and training options.