[Improved efficiency in swallowing diagnostics using an electronic documentation system]

Area of Science:

• Medical technology
• Clinical diagnostics
• Speech-language pathology

Background:

• Routine swallowing diagnostics require efficient and effective documentation.
• Current documentation methods for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) can be time-consuming.
• Standardized documentation is crucial for accurate therapeutic recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a German-language electronic documentation system for FEES.
• To evaluate the system's suitability for routine clinical use.
• To improve the efficiency and quality of swallowing diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• An interactive findings system with preset text fields and frame integration was developed (FEED).
• The system was applied to 301 digitized FEES recordings.
• Automatic report generation and standardized scales (Murray, Rosenbek) were utilized.

Main Results:

• 97% of FEES protocol parameters were documented in an average of 9 minutes.
• The FEED system achieved a time-saving of over 50% compared to free protocols.
• Graded evaluation of swallowing disorders was enabled by the Murray and Rosenbek scales.

Conclusions:

• The FEED system significantly shortens documentation time for FEES.
• It improves the overall quality of reports generated for swallowing diagnostics.
• The system is a practical and effective tool for enhancing routine swallowing diagnostics and therapy.