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Swallow RehApp

A tool to assist people with oropharyngeal dysphagia who are undergoing swallow rehabilitation.
The Swallow RehApp app MUST be used under the guidance of a speech language therapist.

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Swallow RehApp app	By RehApp Mobile Health
	Features Dysphagia exercise plan. Education and information. Track progress. Dysphagia diet and recipes.
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? No Require a login? Yes Have password protection? Yes Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? Yes Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Cost: $3.99
How to get the app	(external link)

This app is for people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing due to problems in the pharynx and mouth rather than problems in the oesophagus). It MUST be used under the guidance of a speech language therapist. The app includes the following sections.

The education section allows you to understand swallowing and dysphagia and contains videos showing different areas in which a swallow can be disordered.
The nutrition section includes recipes and a diet plan for a dysphagia friendly diet (IDDSI - 4).
The journal section allows you to record food intake, and also records exercises and rating scales that you complete.
The exercises section allows you to set up exercises with a reminder alarm to support rehabilitation.
The rating section gives you access to 3 different rating tools - the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI).

For the complete app description, go to the App store(external link) or for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS	CONS
✔ Education section on swallowing problems. ✔ Journal section has a food journal, notes and a rating scale, and it automatically tracks completed exercises. ✔ Nutrition section has a 7-day dysphagia menu (and shopping list) for people with swallowing difficulties, developed by a registered dietitian. It is based around the IDDSI - level 4. ✔ Exercise section. This should be set up by your speech language therapist who chooses from 10 different exercises and sets the timing, frequency and repetitions. There are videos and detailed descriptions for each exercise. You track repetitions which link into the journal. Push notifications can be set to remind you to perform the exercises. ✔ Rating Scale section. Three questionnaires for assessing eating, voice handicap and reflex symptoms. A notification can be set for future re-assessments. The results can then be graphed so you can view your progress. ✔ Video tutorial for how to use the app.	✘ No free version. ✘ Cannot export data. ✘ Last updated 6 years ago. ✘ Only available on iTunes (App store) as a phone app.

PROS

CONS

✔ Education section on swallowing problems.

✔ Journal section has a food journal, notes and a rating scale, and it automatically tracks completed exercises.

✔ Nutrition section has a 7-day dysphagia menu (and shopping list) for people with swallowing difficulties, developed by a registered dietitian. It is based around the IDDSI - level 4.

✔ Exercise section. This should be set up by your speech language therapist who chooses from 10 different exercises and sets the timing, frequency and repetitions. There are videos and detailed descriptions for each exercise. You track repetitions which link into the journal. Push notifications can be set to remind you to perform the exercises.

✔ Rating Scale section. Three questionnaires for assessing eating, voice handicap and reflex symptoms. A notification can be set for future re-assessments. The results can then be graphed so you can view your progress.

✔ Video tutorial for how to use the app.

✘ No free version.

✘ Cannot export data.

✘ Last updated 6 years ago.

✘ Only available on iTunes (App store) as a phone app.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Lauren Hill, Speech Language Therapist, Auckland
Date of review: June 2024
Platform: Apple
Version: 1.1.3
Comments: The Swallow RehApp app could be a useful tool to support people with dysphagia to manage their rehabilitation. It MUST be used in collaboration with a Speech Language Therapist. The videos of exercises are clear and easy to follow and may be useful reminders of how to perform exercises set by a speech language therapist. The journal provides a useful record of exercises and rating scales completed. The nutrition section and dysphagia diet needs to be used with caution as it is set to a puree level diet (IDDSI - 4), however, this may not be the most suitable diet. It is recommended to always follow the recommendations of your speech language therapist with food and drink modifications.
Safety concerns: This app should only be used under the guidance of a speech language therapist. The dysphagia diet plan should only be used in consultation with your speech therapist and dietician.
New Zealand relevance: Yes.

Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide – how to choose a health app
NZ health app library
Dysphagia
Swallowing difficulty apps
Stroke | Mate rehu ohotata
Brain injury

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.