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The feasibility and test-retest reliability of the Dutch Swal-Qol adapted interview version for dysphagic patients
Jessie Lemmens1, Gerrie J J W Bours, Martien Limburg
1Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands. je.lemmens@hszuyd.nl
Purpose:
The adaptation of the Dutch Swal-Qol questionnaire to an interview format suitable for dysphagic patients with communicative and/or cognitive problems and evaluation of the feasibility and test-retest reliability.
Methods:
An observational study with two measurements within a 2-week time period in a sample of 57 stroke patients with dysphagia in a nursing home environment. The interview version of the Swal-Qol was evaluated in the total group and in subgroups of patients with and without communicative and/or cognitive problems.
Results:
The constructed interview version was considered feasible from an expert's and patient's point of view. The overall score and seven subscales of the Swal-Qol showed an excellent test-retest reliability (k > 0.75), and two subscales were considered good (k > 0.60).
Conclusions:
This study showed that using a structured, and at the same time flexible, interview format tailored to the individual needs of stroke patients enhances the feasibility and does not compromise the test-retest reliability.
