Development and Validation of the SWADOC Tool

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LIEGE · Jan 10, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new tool called SWADOC, designed to help assess swallowing difficulties in patients who have had severe brain injuries and may be in a state of altered consciousness. Many of these patients experience challenges with swallowing (a condition known as dysphagia), which can lead to serious health issues. The goal of the trial is to develop and validate this tool so that therapists can better understand and track swallowing abilities in these patients, ultimately leading to more personalized care plans.

To participate in this study, individuals must be over 18 years old, have previously been in a coma due to a severe brain injury, and be able to speak French. Participants need to be medically stable, meaning they are not on breathing machines or receiving heavy sedation, and they must have been diagnosed with specific levels of consciousness. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed multiple times to evaluate how well the SWADOC tool works. This research is important as it aims to improve the quality of care for individuals with swallowing disorders following brain injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria :
• • Age above 18-year-old
• • Perfect knowledge of French language before the injury
• • Previous event of coma phase caused by a severe acquired brain injury
• • Medical stability (absence of mechanical ventilation and sedation, no acute medical pathology such as infection or respiratory distress)
• • No neurological or otorhinolaryngological disease which can impact swallowing prior to the brain injury
• • Minimum of 28 days since the acquired brain injury at inclusion
• • Diagnosis of UWS, MCS-, MCS+ or EMCS based on the CRS-R or SECONDs
• • Informed consent from legal representative of the patient
• • Affiliated patient or beneficiary of a health insurance plan (for French participants only).