Method of drinking and risk of aspiration assessed by videofluoroscopy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Method of drinking and risk of aspiration assessed by videofluoroscopy. A Pilot study
IRAS ID
237134
Contact name
Julie Wright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Patients in care settings are often given straws or spouted beakers to drink from. Little is known about the effect this has on swallowing and if this increases the likelihood of drinks “going the wrong way” and entering the airway (known as aspiration). Aspiration is uncomfortable and often makes people cough, but it can also have more serious consequences like chest infections or pneumonia. People with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are the most likely to aspirate, yet research looking at drinking through a straw or spouted beaker has never included people with swallowing problems. This research will compare drinking from an open cup, a straw, and a spouted beaker, and see which is safest for people at risk of dysphagia and which patient’s prefer. This information will inform guidelines on the use of spouted beakers and straws in hospitals, nursing homes and other care settings.
Patients referred for X-ray investigation of their swallowing (videofluoroscopy) will be invited to participate in the study. After their routine assessment to make sure they are suitable to take part, the participants will take a drink from an open cup, through a straw and from a spouted beaker in a random order. Each swallow will be recorded using videofluoroscopy and examined later independently by two expert speech and language therapists, who will rate the risk of aspiration using a standardised score. Comparison will be made between scores to see if drinking from a straw or spouted beaker increases the risk of aspiration in comparison with drinking from an open cup. Patients will also complete a short questionnaire to establish their preference of drinking method.
Patients who are unable to provide informed consent have been included in this study as they represent a high proportion of patients with dysphagia.REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0655
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion