Study of a 3 oz Water Swallow Test in Adults With Tracheostomies to Assess Aspiration Risk

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a 3 oz water screening protocol in patients with tracheostomies. This observational study aims to compare this screening method to established instrumental swallow assessments, such as the Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of the Swallow and the Modified Barium Swallow Study, to identify risks of aspiration during eating or drinking. The study is sponsored by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and focuses on patients with airway openings called tracheostomies. Participants will undergo the 3 oz water screen, where they will drink 3 oz of water continuously twice during the same session and be monitored for one minute after each drinking. The study does not involve any experimental treatments but observes how well this screening protocol works compared to the gold standard swallow tests. During the study, participants will be assessed using swallow screens and the Penetration Aspiration Scale score within seven days of enrollment. The study includes monitoring alertness and diet status, with no modifications or restrictions imposed beyond usual care. Participation involves observation and assessment to better understand swallowing safety in people with tracheostomies, with the study expected to continue until October 2027.

Investigation of a 3 oz Water Protocol on Patients With Tracheostomies