Chapter 10 Etiology and Risks of Swallowing Disorders Figure 10.2 The Eat-10 Swallowing Screening Tool

EAT-10: A Swallowing Screening Tool

LAST NAME OBJECTIVE:

EAT-10 helps to measure swallowing difficulties. It may be important for you to talk with your physician about treatment options for symptoms.

A. INSTRUCTIONS:

Answer each question by writing the number of points in the boxes. To what extent do you experience the following problems?

FIRST NAME SEX AGEDATE

157

1 My swallowing problem has caused me to lose weight. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

2 My swallowing problem interferes with my ability to go out for meals. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

3 Swallowing liquids takes extra effort. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

4 Swallowing solids takes extra effort. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

5 Swallowing pills takes extra effort. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem B. SCORING:

Add up the number of points and write your total score in the boxes. Total Score (max. 40 points)

C. WHAT TO DO NEXT:

If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, you may have problems swallowing efficiently and safely. We recommend discussing the EAT-10 results with a physician.

Source: Reprinted with permission from Eat-10: A Swallowing Screening Tool. © 2013 Nestlé Nutrition Institute.

8 When I swallow food sticks in my throat. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

9 I cough when I eat. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

10 Swallowing is stressful. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

6 Swallowing is painful. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem

7 The pleasure of eating is affected by my swallowing. 0 = no problem 1 2 3

4 = severe problem