An evaluation of a systematic review for dysphagia in head/neck cancer

Article title and bibliographic information A systematic review of interventions for eating and drinking problems following treatment for head neck cancer suggests a need to look beyond swallowing and trismus. Cousins N, MacAulay F, Lang H, MacGillivray S, Wells M. Oral Oncology 2013;49:387-400. Reviewer Giselle Carnaby, BSci, MPH, PhD, FASHA Purpose/Question The authors conducted a systematic review of clinical studies to examine the nature and scope of evidence supporting interventions aimed at alleviating physical, functional, and/or psychosocial difficulties with eating and drinking following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) Source of funding Supported by a grant from the MacMillan Cancer Support of the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative Type of study/Design Systematic review Level of evidence Level 2: Limited-quality patient-oriented evidence Strength of the recommendation grade Grade B: Limited-quality patient-oriented evidence.