Co-Design and Non-Randomised Pilot Evaluation of Resources Developed to Optimise Saliva Management in People with...

Background/Objectives: People living with MND (plwMND) commonly develop difficulty swallowing and subsequent difficulty clearing saliva from the airway. Medical saliva interventions include pharmacological agents, botulinum toxin injections, and radiation to salivary glands, with associated side effects. Non-invasive behavioural strategies and natural remedies are also recommended. Saliva symptom management is guided by the multidisciplinary MND team (typically through a three-monthly clinic) alongside community clinicians. Some plwMND report difficulty recalling and implementing treatments between clinics. This study aimed to enhance the content and method of providing recommendations for self-management of saliva symptoms by (i) developing MND-specific resources and (ii) evaluating resource use and preliminary clinical benefit. Methods: In Phase 1 plwMND, caregivers, and clinicians co-designed saliva management resources. Phase 2 examined the use of these resources via a hospital-based MND clinic with 28 plwMND, their caregivers, and community clinicians. In the clinic, plwMND were given a written treatment plan and relevant resources. During reviews at weeks 2, 6, and 12 saliva treatment was adjusted and clinical outcomes evaluated using the Clinical Saliva Scale for MND (CSS-MND). Community clinicians, plwMND, and caregivers were surveyed regarding the resource utility. Results: People living with MND reported the resources assisted saliva symptom self-management. Community clinicians found the resources informative and beneficial in supporting patient care. All plwMND required multiple treatment strategies and adjustments to manage symptoms. Of the treatments prescribed, 91% were non-invasive and 9% were medical interventions. For 54% (n = 15) of plwMND, improved CSS-MND scores were sustained over the three-month evaluation. Conclusions: Co-designed saliva resources and regular reviews assisted plwMND to implement their individualised saliva treatment, to self-manage saliva symptoms between clinics.