Trial Information

Real-Time Internet Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

The objective of this proposal is to establish the validity of an Internet based protocol
for real-time, remote, telefluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallowing function.
The investigators will achieve this goal by testing the hypothesis that oropharyngeal
swallowing function evaluated by an experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP) using a
remote, interactive, real-time, dynamic Internet telefluoroscopic procedure, which was
developed in the PI's laboratory, has an acceptable level of agreement with the evaluations
performed by an experienced SLP who is present in the fluoroscopy suite and using the
traditional videofluoroscopic methodology. In other words, the primary aim of this
investigation is to determine whether the telemedicine approach to evaluation of swallowing
function is reliable relative to the traditional method by which a clinician is in direct
contact with a patient for a pre-examination interview, clinical examination, and
videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function. Confirmation of the reliability of the
telefluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia (hereafter referred to as dysphagia)
can result in equity of access for underserved groups for whom SLPs with expertise in
evaluating swallowing function are locally unavailable. Ultimately, the success of this
project could translate specialty services into routine clinical practice across the United
States and globally.