SURE Trial: Swallowing Ultrasound Reliability Evaluation Trial

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jul 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the SURE Trial, is studying a new way to check how well people can swallow using ultrasound, a safe and painless imaging method. The goal is to see if ultrasound can reliably assess swallowing problems in people with dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing. The researchers will compare ultrasound results with those from a standard test called FEES, where a small camera is used to look at the throat during swallowing. This study hopes to find an easier or more comfortable way to evaluate swallowing difficulties.

Adults aged 18 or older who have been referred for swallowing assessments because of dysphagia may be eligible to join, as long as they have a certain level of swallowing ability (measured by a simple scale called FOIS) between 2 and 6. People who are unconscious, have unstable health conditions, infections, or are on a breathing machine cannot take part. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo both the ultrasound and the standard swallowing test so researchers can compare the results. This study is currently recruiting participants and welcomes adults of all genders.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 or older.
• • Dysphagia patients referred for swallowing assessments.
• • FOIS score between 2-6.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unconscious patients or those unable to follow instructions.
• • Unstable vital signs.
• • Acute infections or mechanical ventilation.