Relationship between oral intake, patient perceived swallowing impairment, and objective videofluoroscopic measures of swallowing in patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract Background We aimed to: (1) examine relationships between the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Eating Assessment Tool‐10 (EAT‐10), and objective measures of swallowing (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile [MBSImP©] and penetration‐aspiration scale [PAS]) in patients with head and neck cancer, (2) compare outcomes between oral intake vs tube‐dependent patients, and (3) compare outcomes across time points. Methods A total of 58 patients with head and neck cancer completed the FOIS, EAT‐10, and underwent a standardized videofluoroscopy (VFSS). VFSS were analyzed using the PAS and MBSImP©. Nonparametric analyses were performed. Results A relationship between the FOIS and EAT‐10 ( r = −0.46; P < .001) was revealed. No other associations were observed ( P < .05). Feeding status did not impact PAS or MBSImP©; however, patients with head and neck cancer who were tube dependent demonstrated higher (worse) EAT‐10 scores ( P = .01). Conclusions In this cohort, a relationship between patient‐perceived swallowing impairment and functional oral intake was revealed; however, no associations were observed between the FOIS and objective measures of swallowing impairment or swallowing safety.