Design of a Speech Therapy Tool for Screening Neurogenic Dysphagia in Pediatrics Diseño de una Herramienta Fonoaudiológica para Tamizaje de Disfagia Neurogénica en Pediátricos

Abstract

This study aimed to design, validate, and pilot a screening instrument for the early detection of dysphagia risk in pediatric populations with neuromotor disorders. Through a projective research design and methodological triangulation, an instrument was structured into two main sections: the subject’s clinical characteristics (17 items) and caregiving factors (6 items). Each item was formulated with a dichotomous yes/no response scale, scored 1 for the presence and 0 for the absence of the risk factor, allowing quantitative analysis through cumulative percentages and classification into five severity levels: no deficiency, mild, moderate, severe, and total. Expert validation led to 12 substantial modifications (23.07% of the initial version), improving semantic clarity, conceptual precision, and clinical adequacy. The pilot application involved children aged 3 to 16 years (mean = 9.4), confirming the feasibility of the instrument and its sensitivity to detect clinically relevant risk factors. Although one item—history of pneumonia within the past six months—showed 0% prevalence, it was retained given its established role as a predictor of silent aspiration and increased airway compromise. Results highlighted the applicability of the instrument in clinical and educational contexts, without requiring specialized prior training, reinforcing its potential as a practical and preventive tool for early screening in dysphagia. This work underscores the importance of prevention, caregiver involvement, and contextualized assessment in resource-limited environments, laying the foundation for future research and broader implementation.