Validation of the Deglutition Handicap Index-Informal Caregiver questionnaire.

BACKGROUND

The Deglutition Handicap Index-Informal Caregiver (DHI-IC) questionnaire is a dysphagia assessment tool derived from the psychometrically validated Deglutition Handicap Index (DHI) self-reported dysphagia questionnaire in French. Like the DHI, the DHI-IC comprises 30 items, in 3 equal domains: Physical, Functional and Emotional.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective study included 61 patients and 61 caregivers recruited from an ENT clinic dedicated to dysphagia.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the DHI-IC as an assessment tool and to compare results with the DHI and swallowing endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The DHI-IC, like the DHI, showed good internal consistency. The results indicate that it is an appropriate tool for assessing functional status, health and quality of life related to dysphagia in patients via caregiver reporting.