What is measured in dysphagia interventions in Parkinson's disease: An international online survey of dysphagia clinicians.

PURPOSE: What we measure as success in dysphagia intervention programmes and how we measure this attainment is important in clinical practice. This study aimed to provide insight into international perspectives of dysphagia clinicians in relation to important outcomes, applied outcome measurement instruments, and evaluation timepoints in oropharyngeal dysphagia interventions in Parkinson's disease.

METHOD: An international, cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was conducted with dysphagia clinicians. The survey was translated from English into German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese (Simplified), and Spanish. Survey results were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULT: The survey included 214 participants from 28 countries and found that 46 outcome measurement instruments are currently used, with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale being most common (n = 132, 27.7%). All 34 surveyed outcomes were considered important by ≥ 60% of participants, with penetration/aspiration rated most frequently (n = 209, 97.7%) important. Participants valued measuring outcomes before treatment and up to 24 months after completion of treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights diverse approaches and preferences among dysphagia clinicians worldwide regarding outcome priorities, outcome measurement instruments, and timepoints of measurement in oropharyngeal dysphagia interventions in Parkinson's disease.