Abstract
Background：As we enter the super-aged society, an increasing number of older adults are expected to have an impaired swallowing function. Videoendoscopic evaluation of swallowing（VE）is one of the techniques used to evaluate swallowing function. While VE is a common procedure for physicians and dentists, it is challenging for care workers to interpret VE images. We developed and evaluated a method to simultaneously record VE images and subjects during a swallowing test with the goal of facilitating collaboration in the context of a multidisciplinary care system.
Method：VE was performed in a subject in an intensive care home for older adults. A small camera was attached to the control body of the endoscope to record the subject as they performed a swallowing test during VE. A total of 10 care workers watched the recording of VE alone and in combination with the recording of the subject, and were administered a questionnaire to evaluate their level of understanding in terms of the information that needed to be shared as part of the care they provide.
Results：We demonstrated that it was possible to record both VE images and the subject simultaneously during the swallowing test. Responses to the questionnaire further indicated that the care workers had a significantly better understanding of what to do and what not to do in terms of mealtime assistance, meal content, and posture when they watched the two videos that were filmed simultaneously（p＜0.05）.
Conclusion：We demonstrated that the method to simultaneously record VE images and subjects during swallowing tests improved the understanding of VE among care workers. Our findings suggest that it is a useful tool for sharing information about subjects’ swallowing function.
