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Table 2 Example: innovation description

From: Rapid evidence synthesis to enable innovation and adoption in health and social care

Phagenyx is a device which is designed to reduce neurogenic dysphagia (dysfunction of eating) [1]. This is dysphagia arising from the disruption of any of the neurological systems or processes involved in the execution of a coordinated safe swallow and occurs in people following stroke and in other conditions such as multiple sclerosis which impact muscle control. Dysphagia also occurs in people who have undergone sustained intubation for any reason. Phagenyx is classed as a pharyngeal electrical stimulation intervention and comprises a base station and a treatment catheter. It is applied over a period of days.

NICE guidance on the management of people with dysphagia following stroke states that they should be offered swallowing therapy at least three times a week, if they are able to participate, for as long as they continue to make functional gains. Therapy could include compensatory strategies, exercises and postural advice [2].