Methods and devices for screening swallowing impairment

Abstract

An integrated device for screening swallowing safety and swallowing efficiency can (i) receive first vibrational data for a first set of swallowing events executed successively by a first individual, (ii) compare at least a portion of the first vibrational data and / or at least a portion of second vibrational data derived from the first vibrational data against preset classification criteria defined for each of swallowing safety and swallowing efficiency, (iii) assign a swallowing safety probability and a swallowing efficiency probability to each of the first plurality of swallowing events, (iv) determine a swallowing safety classification based at least partially on the swallowing safety probability of each of the first plurality of swallowing events, and (v) determine a swallowing efficiency classification based at least partially on the swallowing efficiency probability of each of the first plurality of swallowing events.

Description

Background technique [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatus for screening for impaired swallowing using vibration data, such as acoustic data and / or acceleration measurements. More specifically, the integrated device uses vibration data to screen for swallowing safety and swallowing efficiency. [0002] Dysphagia is characterized by impaired involuntary motor control of the swallowing process, and dysphagia can cause "osmosis" (the entry of foreign substances into the airways). Airway invasion can be accompanied by "aspiration," in which foreign substances enter the lungs and can lead to serious health risks. [0003] The three stages of swallowing activity are the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. The pharyngeal stage is often impaired in patients with dysphagia. The impaired pharyngeal stage of swallowing in dysphagia is a common health condition (38% of people over 65) and can lead to mealtime aspiration (food entering the airway) and / or ph...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] In 2010, the Joint Commission (which accredits health care organizations and programs in the U.S.) withdrew its dysphagia screening performance standard for acute stroke because it was not endorsed by the National Quality Forum, saying "There are no criteria that constitute a valid dysphagia screening tool, and no clinical trials have been completed to determine optimal swallowing screening

The clinical usefulness and accuracy of these methods in other populations at risk for dysphagia may be questionable

For example, results from a self-administered survey of 836 certified SLPs from all fifty U.S. states showed that although respondents reported regularly participating in swallowing assessments and providing care for mechanically ventilated patients, But most SLP diagnostic assessments (60%; 95% confidence interval = 59%–62%) were performed using clinical techniques of uncertain accuracy

Images