Validating the dysphagia severity rating scale: A prospective and retrospective study

Abstract

Outcome measures used in dysphagia rehabilitation should be validated and clinically meaningful. The Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS) is a clinician-rated scale of oral intake, with three ordinal subscales (fluids, diet, and supervision). This research describes validation of the DSRS and establishes the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of this scale.