Validation of the EDMUR scale, a tool to quantify the evolution of neurogenic dysphagia

Abstract

Introduction: dysphagia is a frequent and serious symptom in people with brain damage and a tool is needed to quantify and objectify its evolution. Objective: to develop and validate an instrument to measure the evolution of dysphagia in a patient with acquired brain damage in order to facilitate decision-making during multidisciplinary treatment. Methods: a longitudinal, retrospective cross-sectional study that consists of two phases with the aim of developing a new tool. In the first phase the instrument is developed and in the second psychometric properties, after application to 83 patients, is analyzed together with content validity, convergent validity, validity of known groups, reliability, and sensitivity to change. Results: an instrument, the EDMUR scale, composed of 5 domains and 46 items was obtained. After expert judgment, all the items proposed in the scale design phase reached the minimum values ​of Aiken’s V and CRV’. Cronbach’s alpha (α) showed a good internal consistency. The correlation between the FOIS scale and the EDMUR obtained through Spearman’s coefficient (rho) was direct and significant. The Kruskal-Wallis H-test revealed statistically significant differences between all the groups established according to the levels of the FOIS. For internal sensitivity, the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used, obtaining a significant difference between the two assessments. The external sensitivity of the scale obtained a direct and significant correlation. Conclusions: the EDMUR scale is a reliable, valid, and sensitive instrument for quantifying the evolution of dysphagia, thus improving the quality of treatments.