Dr. Margaret Walshe joined us for this episode to discuss the first step in the process of dysphagia assessment: screening. She shares her expertise on who should be screened when and by whom and gives recommendations on how to decide for the best suitable screening tool. She explains why it is important to look beyond sensitivity and specificity when assessing the diagnostic accuracy of a test and what predictive values and likelihood ratios can tell us about the quality of a screening tool.
Research studies that Margaret talks about and further helpful information (note: simply click on the author’s name for open access, where available):
- Boaden et al. (2021). Screening for aspiration risk associated with dysphagia in acute stroke. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012679.pub2
- Brodsky et al. (2016). Screening Accuracy for Aspiration Using Bedside Water Swallow Tests. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2016.03.059
- Dziewas et al. (2021). European Stroke Organisation and European Society for Swallowing Disorders guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke dysphagia. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969873211039721
- Namasivayam-MacDonald et al. (2019). Perception Versus Performance of Swallow Function in Residents of Long-Term Care. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_AJSLP-18-0186
- Speyer et al. (2022). White Paper by the European Society for Swallowing Disorders: Screening and Non-instrumental Assessment for Dysphagia in Adults. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-021-10283-7
- Tsang et al. (2020). A New Simple Screening Tool—4QT: Can It Identify Those with Swallowing Problems? A Pilot Study. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics5010011
- ASHA FAQ on Swallowing Screening (2009)
- Sensitivity and specificity by Students 4 best evidence
- Predictive value by Students 4 best evidence
- What is it with odds and ratio? by Students 4 best evidence
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