Oral health assessment in acute dysphagic stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and criterion validity of The Holistic and Reliable Oral Assessment Tool (THROAT) in acute dysphagic stroke patients.
IRAS ID
161543
Contact name
Craig Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
Pneumonia is a frequent complication of stroke which increases the likelihood of death and poor clinical outcome. Oral disease (tooth loss/decay, and inflammation of the gums and bone supporting the teeth) are frequently found in patients suffering stroke. Passage of harmful bacteria from the oral cavity into the lungs due to swallowing problems after stroke could contribute to development of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). Interventions to improve oral health could therefore be a potential strategy to prevent SAP. However, we currently have no oral assessment tools for stroke unit nursing staff, the frontline staff providing mouth care, that have been comprehensively tested in acute dysphagic stroke patients. The Holistic and Reliable Oral Assessment Tool (THROAT) is an oral assessment tool for nursing staff which may have value in acute stroke patients. In this study we will determine:
(1) If it is feasible for nursing staff to undertake the THROAT in patients with acute dysphagic stroke;
(2) If the THROAT is valid when compared to a "gold-standard" assessment by a research dental hygienist (concurrent validity);
(3) The number of patients required for a follow-on study to see if the THROAT is valid in predicting development of SAP (predictive validity).
Patients with confirmed stroke presenting within 24h of onset and with swallowing problems identified from their clinical swallow test will be screened for eligibility. A stroke research nurse will record baseline data and undertake one THROAT assessment. The research hygienist will undertake one detailed dental assessment, without knowing the results of the THROAT assessment. Subsequent study visits will be undertaken by a research nurse at each 48h interval to end of study at day 8-10, and will include the following: swallowing/nutrition status, antibiotic prescription, standardised screening tool for diagnosis of SAP.REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
14/WA/1153
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion