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Multicenter Study
. 2024 Apr 19;14(4):e081333.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081333.

Feasibility of a screening and prevention procedure for risks associated with dysphagia in older patients in geriatric units: the DYSPHAGING pilot study protocol

Olivier Durlach  1 , Stéphanie Tripoz-Dit-Masson  2 , Nicolas Massé-Deragon  1 , Fabien Subtil  3   4 , Zeinabou Niasse-Sy  1   5   6 , Chloé Herledan  7   8 , Laure Guittard  9   10 , Karine Goldet  2 , Salima Merazga  11 , Margaux Chabert  11 , Anne Suel  11 , David Dayde  12 , Marion Merdinian  1   13 , Claire Falandry  14   15   16
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Feasibility of a screening and prevention procedure for risks associated with dysphagia in older patients in geriatric units: the DYSPHAGING pilot study protocol

Olivier Durlach et al. BMJ Open. .

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia, particularly sarcopenic dysphagia, is frequent in frail older patients. Sarcopenic dysphagia is a swallowing disorder caused by sarcopenia, corresponding to a loss of muscle mass and strength. It frequently leads to inhalation and to the decrease of food intake, leading the patient to enter a vicious circle of chronic malnutrition and frailty. The awareness of the major health impacts of sarcopenic dysphagia is recent, explaining a low rate of screening in the population at risk. In this context, methods of prevention, evaluation and intervention of sarcopenic dysphagia adapted to the most at-risk population are necessary.

Methods: The DYSPHAGING (dysphagia & aging) pilot study is a prospective, multicentre, non-comparative study aiming to estimate the feasibility of an intervention on allied health professionals using the DYSPHAGING educational sheet designed to implement a two-step procedure 'screen-prevent' to mitigate swallowing disorders related to sarcopenic dysphagia. After obtaining oral consent, patients are screened using Eating Assessment Tool-10 Score. In case of a score≥2, procedures including positional manoeuvres during mealtimes, food and texture adaptation should be implemented. The primary endpoint of the study is the feasibility of this two-step procedure (screening-prevention measures) in the first 3 days after patient's consent.The study will include 102 patients, with an expected 10% rate of non-analysable patients. Participants will be recruited from acute geriatric wards, rehabilitation centres and long-term care units, with the hypothesis to reach a feasibility rate of 50% and reject a rate lower than 35%.

Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol was approved according to French legislation (CPP Ile-de-France VII) on 15 February 2023. The results of the primary and secondary objectives will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number: NCT05734586.

Keywords: GERIATRIC MEDICINE; NUTRITION & DIETETICS; Nursing Care; OTOLARYNGOLOGY; PUBLIC HEALTH.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The DYSPHAGING (dysphagia & aging) form ((A) recto form and (B) verso form).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Design of the DYSPHAGING pilot study. EAT, Eating Assessment Tool.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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