Empowering Practitioners: Harnessing the Predictive Power of SEES for Enhanced Dysphagia Evaluation
As practitioners dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals with swallowing disorders, we are constantly seeking tools and methods that enhance our ability to accurately assess and manage dysphagia. A recent study titled "Predictive values of static endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in adults" by Chang et al. provides insightful data on the efficacy of static endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (SEES) as a predictive tool for dysphagia assessment.
SEES is an instrumental evaluation designed for in-office identification of patients who may benefit from a modified barium swallow study (MBSS). The study by Chang et al. evaluated the predictive value of SEES for detecting dysphagia, with a focus on its ability to screen for aspiration and penetration. This blog aims to illustrate how the findings from this research can be applied to enhance clinical practice and encourage further exploration in the field.
Understanding the Predictive Value of SEES
The study involved a retrospective case series of 58 adults evaluated for dysphagia using SEES followed by MBSS. The results indicated that SEES is moderately sensitive for predicting thin liquid penetration and aspiration, with the following key findings:
- Thin liquid penetration on SEES had a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 0.63 for predicting penetration on MBSS.
- Thin liquid aspiration on SEES had a sensitivity of 0.67 and a specificity of 0.85 for predicting aspiration on MBSS.
- Absence of thin liquid penetration or aspiration on SEES showed a high negative predictive value (NPV) for excluding aspiration on MBSS.
These findings suggest that SEES can serve as an effective in-office screening tool, particularly for excluding aspiration risks, thus guiding the need for further diagnostic evaluations like MBSS.
Applying SEES in Clinical Practice
Incorporating SEES into your practice can streamline the assessment process by providing a reliable preliminary evaluation of swallowing function. Here are some practical steps to integrate SEES effectively:
- Training and Proficiency: Ensure that practitioners are adequately trained in performing and interpreting SEES to maximize its diagnostic accuracy.
- Screening Protocols: Develop clear protocols for when to use SEES as a preliminary screening tool, particularly in cases where dysphagia is suspected but not yet confirmed.
- Referral Decisions: Use SEES results to make informed decisions about referring patients for further evaluation with MBSS, particularly when SEES indicates potential penetration or aspiration.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study by Chang et al. provides valuable insights, further research is essential to expand our understanding of SEES's capabilities and limitations. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research efforts that explore:
- Comparative studies between SEES and other dysphagia assessment tools.
- Longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients assessed with SEES.
- Innovative approaches to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of SEES.
By embracing a data-driven approach and continuously seeking evidence-based improvements, we can enhance our ability to provide effective care for individuals with dysphagia.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Predictive values of static endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in adults.
