THICKENER VISCOSITY IN DYSPHAGIA MANAGEMENT - VARIABILITY AMONG SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

Twenty-three speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experienced with thic kening liquids for dysphagia evaluations were asked to mix solutions c omparable to their perceptions of nectar, honey, and pudding consisten cies. The purpose of the study was to determine if these professionals were able to reliably repeat their relative perceptions of nectar, ho ney, and pudding over multiple mixings. Each mixed solution was analyz ed using a viscometer to determine its actual viscosity. A replication reliability analysis indicated that the professionals were not consis tent in their attempts to thicken liquids. Intrasubject results were s omewhat better or more consistent than intersubject results. Results o f this study indicate the need for a standard protocol during dysphagi a management to ensure consistent viscosities across evaluation and tr eatment.