Development and evaluation of an mHealth-based swallowing rehabilitation program for post-laryngectomy patients: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an mHealth-based swallowing rehabilitation program, delivered via a WeChat mini-program, for improving swallowing function, quality of life, and dysphagia-related handicap in patients following partial laryngectomy.

METHODS

In this single-center randomized controlled trial, 70 post-partial laryngectomy patients were allocated to a 12-week digital intervention plus routine care or routine care alone. The program integrated early functional training, intermediate feeding training, and long-term health education, providing individualized plans and real-time feedback. The primary outcome was the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI).

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients completed the trial (intervention: n = 33; control: n = 32). At 4 and 12 weeks, the intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvements in MDADI scores compared to controls, highlighting superior outcomes at 12 weeks (87.76 ± 3.81 vs. 69.53 ± 10.88, P < 0.001). Repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated significant time, group, and time-by-group interaction effects for SWAL-QOL and DHI scores, heavily favoring the intervention (all P < 0.001). No adverse events were reported. Adherence was high (median active usage: 51.5 days), with 92.2% continuing usage beyond the formal intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This tailored digital intervention significantly enhanced postoperative swallowing function and quality of life while reducing dysphagia-related handicap. Supported by high adherence and safety, it offers a feasible and scalable model bridging clinical and home-based recovery.