Background
Dysphagia, or swallowing disorders, significantly affects safety, independence, and quality of life. People with dysphagia often struggle with eating and drinking safely and must rely on correctly prepared food and liquid consistencies to avoid choking or aspiration. However, assessing and preparing the right consistency is challenging and often associated with uncertainty, both for patients and caregivers.
Existing support is frequently fragmented, difficult to understand, or not easily accessible in everyday situations. This creates a need for a simple, digital solution that supports safe eating while empowering users and reducing stress during meals.
Project Overview
This project focuses on the concept and development of a mobile app designed to support people with dysphagia in managing food and liquid consistencies safely. The app aims to help users measure and assess consistencies.
The solution is designed with a strong emphasis on accessibility, clarity, and ease of use, addressing the needs of adults with dysphagia as well as healthcare professionals and family caregivers. By providing structured guidance and digital support, the app aims to increase confidence and independence in everyday eating situations.
Goals and Key Focus Areas
- Support safe eating and drinking by helping users assess food and liquid consistencies
- Provide clear and simple guidance to reduce uncertainty and risk
- Encourage independence and confidence during meals
- Offer accessible, user-friendly design, suitable for older users and those with physical or cognitive limitations
- Support daily routines through digital guidance for food intake and therapeutic exercises
Conclusion
The project aims to demonstrate how a user-centered digital app can improve safety and quality of life for people with dysphagia. By combining accessible design, practical guidance, and medical relevance, the concept provides a foundation for a supportive tool that empowers patients, assists caregivers, and complements professional therapy.
A project at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences
Master Program Digital Healthcare
Poject Coaches:
Dr. Leung Vanessa Yue Fei, Wanner Sophie MSc.
Project Team:
Matschitsch Sabrina BSc. (Project lead)
Hubeny Nina BSc.
Pfleger Jasmin BSc.
Wedam Stefanie BSc.
