Standardized Dysphagia Diet in Clinical Evaluation of Swallowing Function

Diet modification has been a vital component in the management of dysphagia. The lingual manipulation of bolus, pharyngeal propulsion, and initiation of swallowing reflex are all affected by the texture of bolus. However, there is a limited literature and consensus regarding how to apply different food consistency in the swallowing function evaluation of dysphagic patients. Recently, International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) has provided a universal standard of food consistency. The present study aims to evaluate the accuracy of clinical swallowing evaluation using IDDSI standardized food in dysphagic patients, in an attempt to establish protocols of clinical evaluation and diet selection in dysphagic patients.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients aged 20 years or older with a swallowing disorder on the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) of 1-6.Exclusion Criteria:Unconscious, unable to communicate via gestures or words and cooperate with commands.Acutely infected or requiring respirator use.The oropharyngeal structure is abnormal and cannot be examined by endoscopy.Presence of tracheostomy tube