A Rapid Review of Paediatric Dysphagia Research in 2024
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| Title: | A Rapid Review of Paediatric Dysphagia Research in 2024 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kim Coutts (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2026 61(3). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 20 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: | Literature Reviews, Physical Disabilities, Motor Reactions, Children, Adolescents, Medical Research, Foreign Countries, Trend Analysis, Research Methodology |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70264 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Background: Paediatric dysphagia, or feeding and swallowing difficulties in children, is a growing area of clinical and research interest due to its complex aetiology and significant impact on nutrition, development and caregiver well-being. As new technologies emerge and culturally responsive care gains traction, it is critical to understand current research on paediatric dysphagia. Aim: The aim of this rapid review was to examine the extent, range and nature of paediatric dysphagia published in 2024 in order to highlight gaps that may inform future research, clinical practice and policy development. Methodology: A rapid review literature review search was conducted to explore paediatric dysphagia research published in 2024. Eligible studies included all research designs focusing on children (0-18 years) with paediatric dysphagia. Data were extracted on study characteristics, methodologies, populations and outcomes, and synthesised using descriptive and content thematic analysis. The methodological quality assessment used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Main Contribution: Of the 88 studies were included, the majority of studies were from the global North with only 6% of studies coming from Africa. Clinical populations focused on children with cerebral palsy, autism and NICU graduates. Research predominantly focused on intervention efficacy, assessment tool development and validation, and caregiver experiences. Few studies explored implementation or health systems approaches. Conclusion and Implications: Paediatric dysphagia research in 2024 demonstrates a growing focus on intervention development, caregiver-centred approaches and cross-cultural tool adaptation. However, findings also highlight a Western-dominated evidence base, with limited contributions from low- and middle-income countries. This underscores the urgent need for regionally relevant, culturally informed research to ensure equitable access to care and the contextual applicability of interventions worldwide. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507012 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Paediatric dysphagia, or feeding and swallowing difficulties in children, is a growing area of clinical and research interest due to its complex aetiology and significant impact on nutrition, development and caregiver well-being. As new technologies emerge and culturally responsive care gains traction, it is critical to understand current research on paediatric dysphagia. Aim: The aim of this rapid review was to examine the extent, range and nature of paediatric dysphagia published in 2024 in order to highlight gaps that may inform future research, clinical practice and policy development. Methodology: A rapid review literature review search was conducted to explore paediatric dysphagia research published in 2024. Eligible studies included all research designs focusing on children (0-18 years) with paediatric dysphagia. Data were extracted on study characteristics, methodologies, populations and outcomes, and synthesised using descriptive and content thematic analysis. The methodological quality assessment used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Main Contribution: Of the 88 studies were included, the majority of studies were from the global North with only 6% of studies coming from Africa. Clinical populations focused on children with cerebral palsy, autism and NICU graduates. Research predominantly focused on intervention efficacy, assessment tool development and validation, and caregiver experiences. Few studies explored implementation or health systems approaches. Conclusion and Implications: Paediatric dysphagia research in 2024 demonstrates a growing focus on intervention development, caregiver-centred approaches and cross-cultural tool adaptation. However, findings also highlight a Western-dominated evidence base, with limited contributions from low- and middle-income countries. This underscores the urgent need for regionally relevant, culturally informed research to ensure equitable access to care and the contextual applicability of interventions worldwide. |
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| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70264 |
