What is the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10)?
The Eat 10 screening tool, also known as the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), is a concise, self-report questionnaire designed to identify symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Developed in 2008 by Belafsky et al., it measures a person's subjective experience of swallowing difficulties and their impact on daily life. The tool consists of ten questions, each rated on a five-point scale from '0 = no problem' to '4 = severe problem'. A total score ranges from 0 to 40, and a score of 3 or higher is generally considered indicative of swallowing difficulty and requires further investigation.
The EAT-10 is a valuable initial step in identifying individuals at risk for dysphagia-related complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Its efficiency and ease of use have led to its widespread adoption in various clinical environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient settings. It functions as a screening instrument, not a diagnostic one, prompting the need for more in-depth, objective swallowing assessments when a potential issue is identified.
How the EAT-10 questionnaire works
The EAT-10 is quick and simple to administer. The individual rates each statement based on their experience over the past month, answers ten specific questions using the 0 to 4 scale, and these ratings are added for a total score. A score of 3 or higher suggests potential swallowing difficulties and requires further assessment. The tool can also be used serially to track changes and response to treatment.
Key applications of the EAT-10
The EAT-10 is a versatile tool used by various healthcare professionals to efficiently screen for dysphagia in diverse populations. It is validated for use in older adults and individuals with conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, and head and neck cancer. Higher scores, particularly above 15, have been linked to an increased risk of aspiration. The EAT-10 can also subjectively track a patient's response to dysphagia treatment. A score of 3 or more necessitates a more detailed swallowing evaluation.
EAT-10 in practice: clinical versus self-assessment
The EAT-10 can be used for both clinical and self-assessment.
| Aspect | Clinical Assessment | Self-Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | Healthcare provider (e.g., nurse, dietitian, SLP) | Patient or caregiver |
| Context | Clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, clinic) | Home-based screening |
| Purpose | Part of formal screening protocols and informs clinical decisions | Raises personal awareness and encourages discussion with a doctor |
| Accuracy | Integrated into a broader clinical picture; guides further testing | May be influenced by self-interpretation; not a substitute for clinical evaluation |
| Next Steps | Referral to a swallowing specialist for diagnosis and treatment | Discuss results with a physician to determine the need for medical attention |
Conclusion
The EAT-10 is a validated and user-friendly screening tool for identifying self-reported swallowing difficulties. It helps both clinicians and patients recognize potential dysphagia, facilitating timely referrals for more definitive diagnostic tests. Beyond initial screening, it is useful for monitoring treatment progress and in research.
