The Development and Implementation of A Data Repository for Swallow Studies.

Area of Science:

• Clinical research
• Speech-language pathology
• Biomedical informatics

Background:

• Videofluoroscopic evaluations of swallow studies (VFSS) are crucial for diagnosing feeding and swallowing disorders.
• Access to comprehensive VFSS data is often limited, hindering research and education.
• Developing accessible research tools is essential for advancing the understanding of dysphagia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation of an open-source data repository for VFSS.
• To assess the utility of this repository in engaging students in swallowing disorder research.

Main Methods:

• Phase 1 involved video collection, anonymization, coding of swallow events and bolus variables, transcription, and uploading to a public repository (TalkBank).
• Phase 2 involved graduate and undergraduate students using the repository to investigate research questions.
• Qualitative analysis was employed in both phases to identify challenges.

Main Results:

• The DysphagiaBank repository was successfully developed and made publicly available.
• Students effectively utilized the database for research, facilitating timely engagement.
• The COVID-19 pandemic presented the primary challenge, affecting campus access and internet connectivity.

Conclusions:

• The open-source DysphagiaBank repository enhanced students' research capabilities.
• Utilizing the repository improved students' comprehension of swallow physiology across the lifespan.
• This initiative demonstrates the value of accessible data in dysphagia research and education.