A Rapid Review of Paediatric Dysphagia Research in 2024

Paediatric dysphagia, or feeding and swallowing difficulties in children, is a growing area of clinical and research interest due to its complex aetiology and significant impact on nutrition, development and caregiver well-being. As new technologies emerge and culturally responsive care gains traction, it is critical to understand current research on paediatric dysphagia.

The aim of this rapid review was to examine the extent, range and nature of paediatric dysphagia published in 2024 in order to highlight gaps that may inform future research, clinical practice and policy development.

A rapid review literature review search was conducted to explore paediatric dysphagia research published in 2024. Eligible studies included all research designs focusing on children (0-18 years) with paediatric dysphagia. Data were extracted on study characteristics, methodologies, populations and outcomes, and synthesised using descriptive and content thematic analysis. The methodological quality assessment used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Of the 88 studies were included, the majority of studies were from the global North with only 6% of studies coming from Africa. Clinical populations focused on children with cerebral palsy, autism and NICU graduates. Research predominantly focused on intervention efficacy, assessment tool development and validation, and caregiver experiences. Few studies explored implementation or health systems approaches.

Paediatric dysphagia research in 2024 demonstrates a growing focus on intervention development, caregiver-centred approaches and cross-cultural tool adaptation. However, findings also highlight a Western-dominated evidence base, with limited contributions from low- and middle-income countries. This underscores the urgent need for regionally relevant, culturally informed research to ensure equitable access to care and the contextual applicability of interventions worldwide.

What is already known on this subject Paediatric dysphagia is a complex and multifactorial condition affecting feeding and swallowing in children, with substantial implications for nutrition, health and development. Research has typically focused on instrumental assessments, neurodevelopmental populations and intervention development. It is well established that prevalence is higher among children with neurological impairments, congenital anomalies and medically fragile populations. Over the past decade, research has highlighted the importance of early identification and multidisciplinary management, with speech-language pathologists playing a central role in assessment and intervention. Advances in instrumental measures, such as videofluoroscopic swallow studies and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, have improved diagnostic accuracy, while family-centred and contextually responsive approaches are increasingly recognised as essential to effective care. Despite these developments, evidence remains fragmented, and there is ongoing need for synthesis of current knowledge to guide best practice and inform future research. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This review identifies current research on paediatric dysphagia being conducted globally and provides a summary of the types of studies being conducted and key indicators that can be used to inform current research, teaching and practice in the field of paediatric dysphagia. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The review emphasises the necessity of researchers, clinicians and academics to employ multimethod approaches to assessing and managing paediatric dysphagia. There is a critical need to invest in regionally appropriate research to support equitable service delivery, training and clinical decision-making for children with dysphagia worldwide.