Development of an integrated dysphagia rehabilitation platform
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Usability and acceptability study of using a computer-based speech and language therapy platform to deliver evidence-based exercises for people with dysphagia (IUK Smart - 10103844)
IRAS ID
349346
Contact name
Jackie McRae
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City St George's, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) affects 4 million people in the UK, commonly caused by stroke, Parkinson's, dementia, cancer and other ageing-related conditions. It correlates highly with death, disability, loss of independence and quality of life. Dysphagia therapy, such as behavioural swallowing exercises, to strengthen and re-skill oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal (mouth and throat) muscle and to promote oral hygiene has been shown to significantly improve clinical outcomes in people with dysphagia and also contribute to reduction in hospital stays and risk of chest infections. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are responsible for such therapy, however, SLT staffing and capacity are limited in the NHS, reducing therapy availability and time. Beautiful Voice is a computer-based therapy platform that contains evidence-based therapy programmes with video demonstrations and e-learning materials to support self-directed intensive therapy input. This aims to reduce waiting lists, allowing more people to safely receive early and regular rehabilitation intervention, improving their condition, and preventing disease deterioration and associated health risks.
This observational study will use existing swallowing therapy exercises built into a new interactive platform and ask participants who previously received dysphagia therapy, to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a computer-based therapy program, supported by their local SLT.Summary of results
We tested a digital platform for rehabilitation of swallowing problems (dysphagia), that had been previously co-designed by service users and clinicians. This delivered safe, video guided exercises in the home setting. To evaluate the usability of the platform, ten people with dysphagia were asked to use the platform for about two weeks. There was no expectation that there condition would improve in this time.
The platform was rated as easy and pleasant to use, scoring in the “good” range on a standard usability scale. Some users found certain exercises awkward or the videos difficult to follow in specific positions, and a few technical glitches were reported. These issues will be improved in the next version.
People practised regularly—about every other day—and many said the exercises became part of their normal routine. Most participants unexpectedly reported improvements in their swallowing symptoms, with scores on a valid self-reported dysphagia questionnaire improving by around 19% after using the platform. A few participants also showed small improvements in what foods they could safely manage.
Users reported feeling more confident, coughing less, and appreciating having something practical they could do at home. Several said they wanted to continue using the platform and its wider activities.
These early results suggest the platform is easy to use and may help improve swallowing symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm long‑term clinical benefits. A report has been created for wider access: https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrack.pstmrk.it%2F3ts%2Fbeautifulvoice.co.uk%252Fpublication-4%2FNBTI%2F5xTEAQ%2FAQ%2F2846dbb2-530f-4608-87a5-bb78f5ae310f%2F1%2FvY3uGw0xaq&data=05%7C02%7Cbromley.rec%40hra.nhs.uk%7C4fe41b045d9742e9e5a308de844c89ac%7C8e1f0acad87d4f20939e36243d574267%7C0%7C0%7C639093661428587977%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kwQVcMJanxhVcK39ThWC2vJAW1NlikSzsnUrRfOPgDw%3D&reserved=0REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0536
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion