Frontiers in neurology
Reliability and validity of the ICF core elements scale for swallowing function assessment in stroke patients: a single-center study from Hunan, China
By Dong Y, Tan H, Chen J and 3 others.
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the reliability and validity of the 21-item ICF Core Category Scale for Dysphagia in Stroke (ICCSDS) in assessing swallowing disorders in Chinese stroke patients.
Methods
Six experienced rehabilitation physicians evaluated the content validity of the scale. Two raters (a rehabilitation physician and a swallowing therapist) received standardized training. Rehabilitation physicians screened and enrolled 80 patients with suspected swallowing difficulties using the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test. A swallowing therapist subsequently performed the initial ICCSDS assessment using the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) as a practical reference standard. Four hours later, a rehabilitation physician conducted a second ICCSDS assessment at the same site to evaluate interrater reliability.