Development of a Web-Based Course to Maintain Skills in Nurses Trained to Screen for Dysphagia

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Dysphagia; Deglutition Disorders; Stroke
• Interventions: Other: TOR-BSST© Refresher Training

• Registration Number: NCT00570557
• Lead Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Brief Summary

This research aims to facilitate the successful implementation of the new Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario dysphagia screening model for acute stroke patients. The objectives will be 1) to determine the natural history of dysphagia screening skill decay, and 2) to assess the benefit of independent web-based practice and periodic feedback on screening skill maintenance. We will enrol a convenience sample of nurses who currently work with stroke patients but who have had no prior formal training with dysphagia screening.

The study will consist of 2 phases: A) an initial pilot phase followed by B) a prospective randomized controlled study. During Phase A, three new web-based, self-instructed skill refresher courses will be developed to help nurses maintain the skills they will learn in an 8-hour workshop on dysphagia screening. During Phase B, nurses will receive the 8-hour workshop and one-on-one evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Following training, competent screeners will be randomized into one of two groups: Group A - Control group with no refresher course or periodic feedback from SLP; Group B - Web-based skill refresher courses only. Nurses will be evaluated at several timepoints throughout Phase B to assess theoretical dysphagia screening knowledge and skills.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-09
• Study First Submitted: 2007-12-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-12-10
• Study First Posted: 2007-12-11
• Primary Completion: 2011-06
• Study Completion: 2011-06
• Status Verified: 2012-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-01-09
• Last Update Posted: 2012-01-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 96

Inclusion Criteria

• Nurses who care for acute stroke patients

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Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Group B Nurses	TOR-BSST© Refresher Training	Participants receive web-based skill refresher courses but no periodic feedback by SLP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Skill decay over time among nurses trained to use the TOR-BSST© to screen for dysphagia in stroke patients	1 year

Trial Locations

Locations (5)

Alberta Health Services - Capital Health (University of Alberta Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital); 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital; 🇺🇸 Binghamton, New York, United States

Georgian Bay General Hospital; 🇨🇦 Penetanguishene/Midland, Ontario, Canada

University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital; 🇨🇦 Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Foothills Hospital; 🇨🇦 Calgary, Alberta, Canada