Implementing EDACS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Implementing the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) across health and social care settings for adults with cerebral palsy to improve shared decision-making and eating and drinking outcomes.
IRAS ID
303359
Contact name
Diane Sellers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study concerns adults with cerebral palsy (CP), the most common form of serious physical disability arising in childhood, from damage to the infant brain. CP can affect how someone sits, stands and moves, uses their hands, communicates and learns. Some people cannot use movements required to eat/drink/swallow safely and efficiently. Eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties may not be obvious and are potentially fatal. More adults with CP live in the UK than children. Increasing age is linked with increasing hospital stays to treat respiratory illness, malnutrition, dehydration and constipation.
We developed Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) to consistently measure and describe eating/drinking/swallowing abilities of children with CP in five distinct levels.
Questions remain about using EDACS with adults.
1) How do healthcare professionals, adults with CP, families and caregivers discuss eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties and risks to health?
2) How can EDACS be used by healthcare professionals to share risks linked to eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties with adults with CP, families and caregivers?
3) How can EDACS be used to make shared decisions and sustainable plans to reduce health risks from eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties?There are three work-streams.
1) We will talk to adults with CP, family members and caregivers about their interactions with professionals about eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties. They will use EDACS, and “think aloud” when they do so. We will find out what they understand about eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties and associated health risks, and if they understand EDACS how it was intended.
2) We will hold 6 discussion groups to find out how healthcare professionals talk to adults with CP, families and caregivers about eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties. Professionals will use EDACS and give feedback.
3) We will use findings to develop new ways for key people to use EDACS across settings.This study will answer questions about use of EDACS by professionals with adults with CP, families and caregivers.
Summary of Results
* The Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) is a reliable way to describe how people with cerebral palsy usually eat and drink.
* EDACS describes the full range of eating and drinking ability in 5 distinct levels for people with cerebral palsy from aged 3 years, including assistance required at mealtimes.
* Parents of children with cerebral palsy, adults with cerebral palsy, various types of health professionals and researchers helped to develop the EDACS.
* People with cerebral palsy, families and professionals can use EDACS to share knowledge, and work in partnership to improve care.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
21/WA/0372
Date of REC Opinion
19 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion