Instrumental+Assessment


 * Instrumental Assessment **



(5:g)

A clinical swallow assessment may identify the likelihood of aspiration however, instrumental assesssment will answer the 'why' question (Cichero & Murdoch, 2010).

If aspiration is suspected, the clinician will determine whether instrumental assessment is appropriate for the client (Murray, 1999). An instrumental swallowing examination will not be undertaken if the patient’s illness is too severe, if they would be unable to follow the instructions of the procedure, or the recommendations would not change the course or management plan.

According to Groher & Crary (2010) the purposes of an instrumental swallowing study can be summarized as:

-Movement patterns of upper aerodigestive tract.

-Assess safety of swallow and any airway compromise.

-Identify and describe pooled secretions and ability to clear secretions.

-Assist in clinical recommendations of safest dietary level by what route, feeding modifications, or therapeutic interventions.

For a more thorough explanation of clinical indicators for instrumental assessment see the below link. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2000). Clinical Indicators for Instrumental Assessment of Dysphagia [Guidelines]. Available from [|ASHA].

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