INTERJUDGE AGREEMENT IN VIDEOFLUOROSCOPIC STUDIES OF SWALLOWING

Videofluoroscopic swallowing examinations of 3 patients with dysphagia were reviewed independently by 10 speech-language pathologists. Prior to viewing each video, clinicians were provided with information abou t the patient's history, the results of a bedside swallow examination, and oral-facial and oral motor control examinations. Clinicians compl eted a swallowing observation protocol as they viewed each video. They then recommended, from a list of treatment strategies, intervention t echniques that would be most appropriate for each patient. Interjudge agreement was calculated by determining how many clinicians observed a given swallowing event or deficit, and how many recommended a given t reatment strategy. Results Suggest that the level of interjudge agreem ent for videofluoroscopic evaluations is not encouragingly high.