Bringing DIGEST™ swallow-grading into cancer clinics
Official title: Dissemination and Implementation of DIGEST™ as an Evidence-based Measurement Tool for Dysphagia: A Randomized Implementation Trial
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT07283653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests two ways of training clinics so they can use the DIGEST™ method to grade swallowing problems in cancer patients having Modified Barium Swallow tests.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 85 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07283653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are hospitals or clinics affiliated with the VA, University of Wisconsin, or Ohio State systems that perform at least 10 oncology Modified Barium Swallow procedures per month and routinely archive MBS imaging files.
✕Probably not a fit
Clinics with low oncology MBS volume, no archived/accessible MBS imaging, or those not affiliated with the listed systems are unlikely to benefit from this implementation effort.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized implementation trial comparing three approaches: no intervention (usual practice), a DIGEST training program, and DIGEST training plus practice facilitation, delivered to eligible oncology imaging sites. The primary outcome is reach, measured as clinical adoption of DIGEST for routine Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies; the secondary outcome is fidelity, measured as reliability of DIGEST ratings across clinicians. Participating sites must be affiliated with the VA, University of Wisconsin, or Ohio State systems, perform at least 10 oncology MBS procedures per month, and routinely record and archive MBS imaging files that are accessible to researchers. The coordinating center is MD Anderson Cancer Center, which will oversee training, data collection, and analysis of adoption and reliability metrics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinics would more consistently identify and grade swallowing problems, which could lead to earlier and more standardized management of dysphagia in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: The DIGEST tool itself has prior validation and reliability work supporting its use, but randomized trials of implementation strategies to increase clinical adoption are novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. A hospital or clinic affiliated with the Veteran's Affairs system, University of Wisconsin system, or Ohio State University system. 2. A minimum average of 10 Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) procedures per month in oncology patients in preceding year. 3. MBS imaging files are recorded and archived as a routine procedure (and accessible to researchers). Exclusion Criteria: N/A
Where it's running
-
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kate Hutcheson, PHD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kate Hutcheson, PHD
- Email: karnold@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-792-6513
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.