Based on a systematic literature review, a novel self-report questionnaire was developed in 2016 to assess subjective swallowing difficulties with medication intake and their practical consequences in ambulatory patients, the SWAMECO questionnaire. It consists of 30 items divided into 5 sections Complaints, Intensity, Localization, Coping strategies, and Adherence to medication. It was validated in people suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare multisystem autoimmune disease that often leads to swallowing problems with food and liquids with progression. The aim of this study is now to validate the questionnaire in the general population. Patients presenting in the community pharmacy with a prescription of at least 3 different medications for a minimum of 3 months will fill in the questionnaire on site.
A patient self-report questionnaire was developed that assesses subjective swallowing difficulties with medication intake, the SWAMECO questionnaire. It was validated in a highly specific population and will now be tested in the general population.