Communication disability researchers to collaborate on £2.4m trial into swallowing care
A landmark clinical trial aiming to improve the outlook for people who have difficulties swallowing, including those living with dementia, will include expertise from a Manchester Met communication disability researcher.
The £2.4m National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded clinical trial will investigate the clinical and cost effectiveness of stopping the use of thickened fluid, a widely administered but often debated intervention for people with swallowing difficulties – known as dysphagia.
It will challenge the assumption that thickened fluids are beneficial to people with dysphagia – often a symptom of progressive neurological conditions – and investigate if stopping its use can improve their quality of life.
Working with lead institution the University of Bradford alongside the University of Leeds and University College London, Manchester Met researchers on the INGEST (dIscontinuing or continuiNG thickEned fluidS) Trial will help provide the robust evidence needed to guide future practice.
Thickened fluids are routinely prescribed across the NHS, yet evidence of their benefit remains limited and concerns about patient experience persist. INGEST aims to address this gap and offer clear guidelines for clinicians, carers and decision makers.
The four-year randomised controlled trial will recruit 366 adults with slowly progressing dysphagia who have been using thickened fluids for at least one month. Participants will be randomly allocated to either continue or discontinue thickened fluids, with outcomes measured over 12 months.
It has been designed with people who have direct experience of dysphagia, including those living with dementia, those with progressive neurological conditions, and family carers.
Dr Mark Jayes, Research Fellow in Communication Disability at Manchester Met and INGEST Co-Investigator, who leads the Faculty Speech, Language and Communication Research Group, said: “It’s really exciting to be involved in this landmark study to produce high quality evidence about whether this intervention is effective.
“I’m particularly happy to be using my expertise around inclusive informed consent to ensure the study is really representative of the population it’s seeking to help.”
INGEST will be delivered in partnership with the York Trials Unit, working alongside a national team of experts in speech and language therapy, health economics, behavioural science, and public and patient involvement.
Manchester Met’s outstanding contribution to the scientific reputation of speech and language therapy has previously been recognised, including Dr Mark Jayes’s prestigious Fellowship Award from the Royal College of Speech and Language.
Earlier this month research was published into how healthcare workers and families can improve their communication and interactions with people living with dementia.
