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Background: Person‐centred services are inherently related to patients/caregivers' needs. However, the extent to which dysphagia services within Singapore meet consumer needs is largely unknown. Involving patients/caregivers in service evaluation/redesign deepens the understanding of consumer needs. This process also increases the success of implementing service enhancements through relevant and meaningful change. Aim: This study aimed to identify aspects of dysphagia services, within acute and subacute settings in Singapore, perceived as highly important and easy to change by patients/caregivers. Methods & Procedures: Using concept mapping methodology, 5 patients and 11 caregivers reflected on their experiences of receiving dysphagia care and proposed 59 unique suggestions to improve dysphagia services within Singapore. Then, each individual sorted the suggestions into groups based on similarity and rated each statement for its perceived importance and changeability for service enhancement. Data were analysed using multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis, and bivariate analysis to generate clusters of conceptually similar suggestions and a prioritised list of suggestions for service enhancement. Results: Twelve clusters were identified, with most rated as more important than changeable for service improvement. Participants prioritised 23 (39%) of the suggestions as highly important and easy to change, and these focused on ensuring effective communication among consumers and healthcare team, enhancing patients and carers' access to support at home, increasing patients and carers' access to educational resources, and improving service quality and access through technology. Conclusion: These findings provide future directions on how to develop and implement dysphagia services in Singapore to better meet the needs of patients/caregivers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Little is known about patients and caregivers' experiences and expectations of receiving dysphagia services in Singapore. Consulting them in service review and improvement deepens understanding of their needs and increases the success of implementing meaningful service enhancements. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This study shows that patients and caregivers in Singapore identified a wide range of dysphagia service issues and prioritised a list of suggestions for service improvement. They prioritised four key areas for service optimisation: ensuring effective communication among consumers and healthcare team, enhancing patients and carers' access to support at home, increasing patients and carers' access to educational resources, and improving service quality and access through technology. What are the clinical implications of this work?: This research highlights the importance of considering the consumers' perspectives in service review and redesign. Patients and caregivers in Singapore identified four prioritised areas for service enhancements. These findings provide future directions on how to develop and implement dysphagia services in Singapore to better meet the needs of patients and caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies suggest swallow intervention programmes that incorporate visual biofeedback and motor programming principles can improve swallowing and quality of life for people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and dysphagia. Few studies have examined outcomes using instrumentation. Aims: Using fibreoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES), this study examines the effectiveness of a neurorehabilitation intervention involving biofeedback via surface electromyography (sEMG) to improve swallowing in people with IPD, and to explore the feasibility of the intervention approach. Methods & Procedures: We recruited 12 participants with IPD and dysphagia. A total of 10 completed the study. Intervention was delivered for 1 h per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks (20 h). Swallowing tasks using sEMG biofeedback incorporated principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity. Instrumental and non‐instrumental assessment, including quality‐of‐life measures carried out at four different time points (two pre‐treatment and two post‐treatment). The final assessment was at 3 months post‐intervention. Outcome & Results: Statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in oral intake methods (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.70–5.50) and in pharyngeal residue from saliva (95% CI = 2.14–3.15) and solids (95% CI = 2.4–3.5) post‐intervention were confirmed using FEES with improvements at 3 months. The intervention protocol was well tolerated. Participants reported positive change in saliva control and duration of mealtimes as well as unanticipated improvements in voice and cognitive attention. Conclusions & Implications: An intensive neurorehabilitation with biofeedback shows positive effects in improving swallow function in IPD. This protocol is feasible with amendments to inform a larger clinical trial. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Biofeedback has positive effects on increasing swallowing function and quality of life in people with IPD and dysphagia. sEMG is the most common method used to deliver swallowing biofeedback in this population. The quality of the evidence on the intervention, based on findings from a recent systematic review, is low. Included studies in this review were heterogeneous in terms of type and frequency of biofeedback, study design and outcome measures. The majority of outcome measures were subjective and higher quality studies to examine the efficacy of biofeedback using sEMG are needed. What this study adds: Recognizing the limitations of earlier studies, this within‐subject feasibility study examined the efficacy and effectiveness of an intensive biofeedback intervention using sEMG in a sample of people with dysphagia and IPD. Valid and reliable outcome measures were used and repeated after a 3‐month period. The feasibility of the methodological approach was also tested and a qualitative component was included in the study. Positive findings were evident. Qualitative information added new perspectives and provided direction for new outcomes to be included in future studies. This study helps to inform further research trials as well as clinical practice. Clinical implications of this study: This intensive intervention using principles of neuroplasticity and motor programming with sEMG biofeedback led not only to positive swallowing outcomes but also to unexpected benefits such as improved voice production and general attention skills. No adverse events were reported. Improvement in function was retained at 3 months post‐intervention. Despite the small sample size, participants described the benefits of the treatment, and enjoyed sEMG biofeedback tasks, especially using an sEMG game mode. This suggests that intensive biofeedback not only improved swallowing but also was acceptable to these participants. This intensive protocol has merit and is worth considering further in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National UK guidance makes recommendations for speech and language therapy staffing levels in critical care and rehabilitation settings. Traumatic spinal cord injury patients often require admission primarily to critical care services within a major trauma centre prior to transfer to a specialist spinal injury unit but may not receive similar levels of care. Dysphagia and communication difficulties are recognised features of cervical spinal cord injury; however, little is known about access to speech and language therapy services to provide rehabilitation and improve outcomes. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the workforce and clinical practices of speech and language therapy services in eight spinal injury units and four major trauma centres in England through an online survey. Methods & Procedures: An online survey was created with 26 multiple‐choice questions across seven sub‐sections, with options for free‐text comments. These were sent to a named speech and language therapy contact at each of the specified units. Responses were uploaded into Excel for analyses, which included descriptive statistics and analysis of themes. Outcomes & Results: Responses were received from 92% (11/12) speech and language therapy services invited, which included seven out of eight spinal injury units and all four major trauma centres. No units met national staffing recommendations. Staff in spinal injury units provided an average of 27 h per week input to the unit compared to 80 h in a major trauma centre. Despite caseload variations, speech and language range of therapy involvement and prioritisation process were equivalent. Access to instrumental assessment varied, with less use of Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in spinal injury units despite its clinical value to the spinal cord injury caseload. Conclusions & Implications: Speech and language therapy services delivering post‐acute and long‐term rehabilitation to spinal cord injury patients are limited by their resources and capacity, which restricts the level of therapy delivered to patients. This may have an impact on clinical outcomes for communication and swallowing impairments. Further evidence is needed of the interventions delivered by speech and language therapists and outcomes will be beneficial alongside benchmarking similar services. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: In England, people who sustain a spinal cord injury are admitted to a major trauma centre prior to transfer to a specialist spinal injury unit. Dysphagia and communication impairments are recognised as a complication of cervical spinal cord injury and benefit from speech and language therapy intervention. National recommendations exist for staffing levels, expertise and competencies for speech and language therapists working in critical care and rehabilitation units. What this study adds: This study identified variations in the levels of speech and language therapy staffing, seniority, service delivery and access to instrumental assessments for dysphagia between major trauma centres and spinal injury units. None of the services complied with national staffing recommendations. Clinical implications of this study: Speech and language therapy services in spinal injury units are often available part‐time or have limited access to diagnostic tools which limits the range and intensity of rehabilitation input available. This has clinical implications for outcomes for swallowing and communication as well as long‐term consequences for integrating back into community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop a set of evidence‐informed strategies to assist older people to improve swallowing functions and prevent further damage from complications. Design: A two‐round Delphi survey. Methods: An initial set of dysphagia care strategies with 74 relevant items for older people was formed based on a literature review by seven researchers. An online survey was conducted by 21 panellists, and data of experts' opinions were collected and analysed by improved Delphi method. Results: The positive coefficients in the two rounds of expert consultation were 85.71% and 83.33%, respectively. Consensus was reached with 53 items included and was allocated into the following five sections: (1) screening, (2) assessment, (3) training, (4) interventions and (5) management. These strategies were named with the acronym of each section—"SATIA". The management strategy can be applied to guide the management of older people with dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia is a common disorder following a cerebrovascular accident. It can cause detrimental effects on patient's quality of life and nutrition intake, especially in older adults. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been one of the management strategies for acceleration of the recovery. This review summarises the current evidence on sensory threshold stimulation of the procedure. Method: This review compiled data from the Internet database PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus using combination of MeSH thesaurus: 'Sensory threshold', 'electrical stimulation', 'neuromuscular stimulation', 'Deglutition', 'Dysphagia'. Eleven studies were intergraded into the review. Results: Most of the studies show significant improvement to the outcomes of sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment. In many cases, the results of the treatment are comparable or superior to motor threshold stimulation and conventional therapy. However, the study design and parameters of the procedure varied greatly without conclusive standardised guidelines. Conclusion: The sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation (SNMES) is a viable treatment option for treating oropharyngeal dysphagia. The most suggested application parameters are an intensity at sensory threshold, a frequency of 80 Hz, an impulse time of 700 μs, a combined total duration of 20 h of stimulation in a 2‐week period, and placing the electrodes in the submental area of the neck. However, further research is necessary to construct a definitive guideline for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of high‐quality evidence to support specific treatment approaches has been widely documented in the existing literature, with evidence suggesting speech and language therapists (SLTs) frequently rely on experience and expert opinion to inform treatment. One approach that is commonly used within dysphagia management, in spite of a lack of existing evidence to support its efficacy, is the use of oral trials, otherwise known as swallow trials or tasters. This approach involves offering specified, limited amounts of oral diet or fluids for those at risk of aspiration or choking if full amounts are taken orally and may be recommended for rehabilitation or quality of life. Methods & Procedures: A total of nine SLTs working in one acute hospital volunteered to participate in focus groups in order to discuss their experience and clinical reasoning for using oral trials within one inpatient hospital setting in the UK. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore how oral trials are used within one inpatient hospital; (2) to consider the barriers and facilitators to the approach; and (3) to consider why this approach may be favoured over other evidenced dysphagia therapies. A grounded theory approach was used to guide data analysis, using two independent coders to identify themes within the focus groups. Outcomes & Results: Analysis of data revealed the following themes: (1) delivering oral trials requires 'a whole team approach'; (2) SLTs vary recommendations based on patient and environmental factors; and (3) oral trials as a holistic approach. Conclusions & Implications: The use of oral trials was considered by SLTs to be a holistic and flexible approach which can be adapted to a range of patient and environmental factors. Although clinical experience guided rationale, an understanding of the principles of neuroplasticity and swallow physiology was also integral to the approach. Further research is warranted to investigate the use and efficacy of oral trials across the SLT community and within specific patient groups and different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rehabilitative treatments for oropharyngeal dysphagia, including oromotor exercises and sensory stimulation, have been widely adopted into clinical practice. However, the effects of these treatments are mainly supported by exploratory studies. As such, their clinical efficacy remains uncertain. Objective: Our systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intraoral treatments for neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia based on evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched between January 1970 and July 2021. Data were extracted and analysed by two independent reviewers. The outcome measure was changes in (any) relevant clinical swallowing‐related characteristics. Results: Data from 285 dysphagic patients were collected from 8 RCT studies across a range of intraoral dysphagia treatments. The pooled effect size of all intraoral dysphagia treatments was non‐significant compared to control comparators (SMD [95%CI] = 0.23 [−0.22, 0.69], p =.31; I2 = 73%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled effect sizes were also non‐significant for oromotor exercises (device‐facilitated lip resistance exercises and tongue exercises) (SMD [95%CI] = 0.11 [−0.76, 0.97]; p =.81; I2 = 88%) and sensory stimulation (thermal‐tactile, thermo‐chemical and electrical stimulation) (SMD [95%CI] = 0.35 [−0.03, 0.72]; p =.07; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Our results showed that overall, intraoral dysphagia treatments, including oromotor exercises and sensory stimulation, do not show beneficial effects for neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia. The evidence for these treatments remains weak and currently inadequate to support clinical use. Large‐scale, multi‐centre RCTs are warranted to fully explore their clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with dysphagia have had to radically alter diagnostic and rehabilitation services during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, hereafter referred to as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Given the aerosol-generating procedures inherent in swallow assessment and interventions, these SLTs have also been particularly susceptible to virus exposure. Aims: To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on SLTs working with adult dysphagia across the Republic of Ireland and to identify the personal and professional factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To explore SLT perspectives regarding their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods&Procedures: A cross-sectional 34-itemonline surveywas developed and piloted. The survey collected demographic details and professional factors and it incorporated the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale--21 (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale--Revised (IES-R). The survey also sought SLT perspectives regarding their experiences during the pandemic. It was distributed to Irish SLTmanagers, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and the Irish Dysphagia Special Interest Group (SIG) for dissemination. Outcomes & Results: A total of 94 SLTs working with adults with dysphagia across Ireland responded. In total, 60% of respondents screened positive for depression, anxiety, stress and/or PTSD. Based on the DASS-21, 38% screened positive for depression (mean score = 8.0; SD = 6.3), 36% screened positive for anxiety (mean score = 6.5; SD = 6.0), and 49% screened positive for stress (mean score = 15.4; SD = 6.9). A total of 26% of respondents screened positive for PTSD (mean IES-R total score = 22.6; SD = 16.0). Factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD were young age (p = 0.002), limited clinical experience (p=0.01) and not livingwith children (p=0.02). Athematic analysis of SLT perspectives identified four main themes: 'fear of COVID-19 infection and transmission', 'uncertainty regarding policies and procedures', 'changes in SLT roles and responsibilities' and 'increased workload'. Conclusions & Implications: This study highlights the psychological impact of COVID-19 on SLTs working with adults with dysphagia in Ireland and identifies SLTs who are at risk of depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings may assist employers to identify staff who require psychological support and long-term follow-up during this pandemic and any future health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, are common as people age, and are associated with significant negative outcomes, including weight loss, pneumonia, dehydration, shortened life expectancy, reduced quality of life, and increased caregiver burden. In this article, we will discuss the complex process of swallowing in normal circumstances and with healthy aging, then review etiologies that contribute to dysphagia. We will discuss approaches to evaluating and treating dysphagia, providing relevant data where they are available. We highlight the desperate need for high‐quality research to guide best practices in treating dysphagia in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2643–2649, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Descriptions of community‐based speech–language therapy (SLT) dysphagia practices and services are underrepresented in the research literature, despite the prevalence of dysphagia in the community. Owing to a globally ageing population and government drives to support people to remain living at home rather than in hospital or aged care, there is a growing need for SLT services to be responsive to the needs of clients living at home in the community, referred to in this study as 'community‐based clients'. Exploration of current SLT services and dysphagia care practices for this population may identify ways services can be designed and enhanced to better meet the needs of clients and carers. Aims: To explore the nature (i.e., characteristics) of dysphagia services and SLT clinical practices for adults with dysphagia living at home in the community. Methods & Procedures: Using a qualitative descriptive approach positioned within an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, this study explored SLT services and practices for adults with dysphagia living in the community to explain further and elaborate on findings from an earlier quantitative study. A total of 15 SLTs working with community‐based clients with dysphagia were recruited using purposive representative sampling. Content analysis was used to explore the data. Outcomes & Results: The overarching theme of community commands a different approach and was illustrated by three subthemes that highlighted how and why a different approach to dysphagia care in the community setting was necessary: (1) skills and mindset require adaptation in the community context; (2) values and approaches are different in the community context; and (3) organizational influences impact service delivery in the community context. From the data, it is apparent that the work undertaken in the community setting differs from dysphagia care in other settings and requires adapted SLT skills, values and approaches that encompass holistic care, client autonomy and carer engagement. SLT practices are also informed by organizational influences such as policies and resourcing, which in some services were enablers, while for others these presented challenges. Conclusions & Implications: Community‐based SLT services must continue to foster flexible, responsive practices by SLTs to ensure the needs of clients and carers are met now and in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effortful swallowing training (EST) is a remedial method for the training of swallowing‐related muscles in the oropharyngeal phase. However, clinical evidence of its effectiveness is insufficient. Aims: To investigate the effects of EST on tongue strength and swallowing function in patients with stroke. Methods & Procedures: Stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). The experimental group underwent EST, while the control group performed saliva swallowing. Training was conducted 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Both groups underwent conventional dysphagia treatment for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Outcomes & Results: Tongue strength was assessed using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. The Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS), based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, was used to analyze oropharyngeal swallowing function. The experimental group showed greater improvements in anterior and posterior tongue strength compared with the control group (p = 0.046 and 0.042, respectively), and greater improvement in the oral phases of the VDS (p = 0.017). Conclusions & Implications: We recommend EST as a remedial strategy for improving tongue strength and oral swallowing function in patients with stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Cognitive status is important for performing the assessment and treatment of dysphagia. Nonetheless, the cognitive neuropsychological profile of patients with stroke and dysphagia is not studied as deeply enough as it should be. On the one hand, focal and non‐focal brain lesions may lead to dysphagia and cognitive disorders, and on the other hand, the cognitive status possibly affects swallowing. In this study, cognition is supposed to be a mediator between brain lesion and swallowing disorder (dysphagia). The role of cognition and attention as mediators between brain lesion and dysphagia was evaluated via three causal models in which the causal mechanisms of swallowing were explained. Methods: Eighty‐eight patients with their first stroke (34 women and 54 men) in the acute phase (mean: 3.5 days after stroke; SD: 2.7) participated in this research. The data of dysphagic and non‐dysphagic patients were entered into structural equation models. Two relationships were estimated: a direct relationship between brain lesion and dysphagia and an indirect association between brain lesion and dysphagia through cognition and attention. Results: The goodness‐of‐fit indices confirmed the three models. Our first model proved a good fit [CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00]. The second model revealed an appropriate goodness of fit [CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00]. Our third model also showed a good fit [CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00]. Conclusion: It is suggested that in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia, cognition is better to be considered as a mediator along with physical aspects of dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The modifications of fluid viscosity and/or volume are common strategies in dysphagia management, with increased viscosity or reduced volume intended to reduce aspiration. Little attention has been given to whether cough response to aspiration varies across different viscosities and volumes. Aims: This prospective observational study investigated aspiration prevalence and cough response to aspiration in thin and thick fluids of two different volumes in patients referred for flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in an acute hospital setting. Methods & Procedures: Consecutive inpatients (N = 180) referred for FEES were recruited: stroke 51 (28%); other neurological condition (traumatic brain injury, progressive neurological) 33 (18%); cardiovascular critical care 51 (28%); respiratory illness/condition 23 (13%); spinal injury 9 (5%); and other 13 (7%). A standardized protocol was completed on 268 FEES (180 first FEES, 88 repeat FEES). Penetration‐aspiration scale (PAS) scores were obtained for thin and mildly thick fluids at two volumes: 5 ml teaspoon and 50 ml continuous drinking. Outcomes & Results: The incidence of aspiration (PAS > 5) was 32% for thin fluids and 18% for thick fluids. There was a significant association between cough response to aspiration and viscosity (p < .001) and volume (p < .001). There was a higher prevalence of silent aspiration in thick fluids than thin fluids. Some patients demonstrated variable cough responsiveness to aspiration across different viscosities and volumes. With 5 ml volumes, 20 patients coughed when they aspirated thin fluids but silently aspirated thick fluids. In comparison, discrepancies in the 50 ml volume were fewer, with three patients coughing when they aspirated thin fluids but silently aspirating thick fluids. Conclusions & Implications: Cough response to aspiration differs across bolus volumes and viscosities. The finding of inconsistent cough response to aspiration in some patients strongly encourages the use of instrumental assessment to guide decisions regarding diet modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: A delayed or absent swallow reflex is common in dysphagia and can have a significant impact on swallow safety. Recent clinical practice survey data have supported the fact that clinicians continue to use thermo‐tactile stimulation (TTS) as a strategy to stimulate key nerve pathways and evoke a swallow reflex for patients with a delayed or absent swallow reflex. Aims: To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of TTS as a compensatory and/or rehabilitative tool. Methods & Procedures: A search performed on CINAHL, Medline and Speech Bite identified 599 articles. After removing duplicates, the titles and abstracts of 458 articles were assessed for eligibility; 426 articles were deemed to be clearly ineligible and the remaining 32 full‐text articles were further screened for inclusion. Ten of these studies were included in this review. Main Contribution: The results of this review highlight the lack of available evidence in this area and give support to the view that there is only low‐level evidence for use of TTS as a compensatory strategy immediately before a swallow. Conclusions & Implications: There is low‐level evidence to support the use of TTS. Current best practice would be to use TTS on a case‐by‐case basis, following detailed instrumental assessment and evaluation of its efficacy for an individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]