Computer-assisted documentation of the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing

Med Sci Monit. 2009 Mar;15(3):MT41-6.

Abstract

Background: Because documentation and report writing in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is time consuming and susceptible to omissions, a software solution to ameliorate these problems by maintaining document quality is desirable.

Material/methods: Based on the FEES procedure of Langmore, a documentation software (DS) which presents a digitized FEES recording and masks with precast text fields was designed to facilitate and unify data input. The oropharyngeal secretion scale of Murray and the penetration-aspiration scale of Rosenbek were integrated to increase comparability of dysphagia information. Four independent examiners analyzed 12 digitized FEES-recordings, 6 without and 6 with the DS, to determine its effect on the times needed for total evaluation, interpretation, documentation, report writing, and report completeness.

Results: The documentation software (DS) reduced the total evaluation time from 42 min to 18 min and increased the evaluation completeness from 55% to 95%, both with very large effect sizes. The time saving was mainly due to an automated report generation at the end of the analysis.

Conclusions: The DS can be offered as a valuable and effective tool in daily clinical routine and for research purposes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Deglutition / physiology*
  • Documentation / methods*
  • Endoscopy*
  • Female
  • Fiber Optic Technology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Software*
  • Time Factors