Bringing DIGEST™ swallow-grading into cancer clinics
Dissemination and Implementation of DIGEST™ as an Evidence-based Measurement Tool for Dysphagia: A Randomized Implementation Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 85 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07283653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.