Clinical review
Reviewer: Jeremy Steinberg, GP, FRNZCGP
Date of review: July 2019
Comments: This app can assist patients who are undergoing swallow rehabilitation for oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing due to problems in the pharynx and mouth). Conditions that can cause type of dysphagia include stroke, head or neck trauma, neurological conditions and surgery. Swallow rehabilitation has limited evidence but it is low risk, low cost and has a scientifically plausible mechanism for being effective. It generally consists of dietary modification and specific exercises and swallowing manoeuvres. The app should NOT be used without the guidance of a speech language therapist. The therapy needs to be tailored to the deficits that are found by the clinician.
Safety concerns: None
New Zealand relevance: Relevant to New Zealanders
