Preliminary psychometric performance of the Neonatal Feeding Assessment Scale
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Date
Authors
Viviers, Mari
Kritzinger, Alta M. (Aletta Margaretha)
Vinck, Bart M.
Graham, Marien Alet
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
Abstract
OBJECTIVE : The objective was to determine the preliminary psychometric performance of a
new clinical feeding scale to diagnose oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) in neonates.
METHODS : Twenty neonates with a median gestational age of 35 weeks were evaluated using
the Neonatal Feeding Assessment Scale (NFAS) and modified barium swallow studies (MBSS).
The results were compared.
RESULTS : Nine of the 20 participants presented with OPD on the NFAS. Comparison of
the scale’s results with instrumental MBSS indicated that all participants without
OPD were correctly excluded (100% sensitivity). The specificity was 78.6%,
indicating that three participants were falsely identified with OPD on the scale. Interrater
reliability was determined on 50% (n = 10) of the sample. Substantial agreement
(80%) was obtained between two raters in five of the six sections of the scale and on the
diagnostic outcome.
CONCLUTION : The preliminary performance of the scale appears to be promising. A further
validation study will take place.
Description
Keywords
Clinical feeding scale, Neonates, Modified barium swallow studies (MBSS), Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD), Neonatal feeding assessment scale (NFAS)
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Viviers, M., Kritzinger, A.,
Vinck, B., & Graham, M.
(2017). Preliminary
psychometric performance of
the Neonatal Feeding
Assessment Scale. South
African Journal of
Communication Disorders,
64(1), a163. https://DOI.
org/ 10.4102/sajcd.v64i1.163.