Criteria for studies of treatment for oral-pharyngeal dysphagia

Abstract

Treatment for oral and pharyngeal dysphagia may take a number of forms. Whether prosthetic devices, medication, surgery, compensatory strategies, or exercise programs are used, objective studies are needed to quantify the effects of these treatments on particular types of patients. Before the initiation of any treatment protocol, the anatomy and physiology of each patient's swallowing process should be documented objectively. Patient groups treated and studied should be homogeneous in the nature of their swallowing disorder, the etiology of that disorder, and the stage of their recovery or deterioration. The treatment protocol should be defined in detail. A variety of study designs may be used, including randomized protocols and single-subject designs.