Development of a tool to measure the consistency of thickened fluids.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a tool to accurately measure the consistency of thickened fluids for use with individuals experiencing swallowing difficulties.
IRAS ID
254682
Contact name
Sue Pownall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
50-75% of residents in nursing homes have swallowing difficulties. Difficulties with eating and drinking can be life threatening and result in pneumonia, the second most common infection found in nursing home residents. When individuals experience swallowing difficulties it is often recommended that their drinks are thickened by adding a thickening powder. Thicker consistencies (like milkshakes) are swallowed more safely than thin fluids as they move more slowly through the mouth and throat and are less likely to enter the person’s airway and lungs. When someone is given this recommendation, all their drinks must be thickened to the correct consistency to improve the safety of their swallowing.
The information on consistency is explained to the individual and carer so that each drink the person is given is thickened correctly. Despite this, guidelines for thickening fluids in care settings are often imprecise. Crucially, these are often not accurately followed due to carers and care staff being unsure how to make the correct consistency.
International descriptors have been developed through the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) to provide a consistent method of describing textures. There are four stages of thickness: slightly thick, mildly thick, moderately thick and extremely thick fluids. The IDDSI includes a method of measuring the thickness of fluids. However, this approach has limitations, not least it is time consuming and messy to complete. They suggest the test is only used periodically to check people are able to make the correct consistencies rather than using on a daily basis as an aid for the person thickening the fluid.
This study proposes to develop an easy to use, reliable, cheap and valid test to facilitate the consistent production of thickened fluids by residents, their carer’s and healthcare professionals on each occasion a drink is made for the resident throughout the day.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0766
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion