Biography
Dr. Julie Regan is Assistant Professor in Speech and Language Pathology in the Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies. She holds a BSc., MSc. and a PhD from Trinity College Dublin. She was awarded a Healthcare Professional Grant from the Health Research Board to complete her PhD in the School of Medicine.
She has over seventeen years full-time experience in an acute hospital in Dublin during which she was a clinical specialist speech and language therapist (SLT) in adult dysphagia. During this time, she worked within Neurology, Gastroenterology, Critical Care and Respiratory multidisciplinary teams and she obtained advanced training in trans-nasal oesophagocopy, upper GI endoscopy and high resolution manometry, all of which have influenced her research interests. She also set up an IASLT-accredited videofluoroscopy training course for SLTs which continues to run annually.
Her research in the area of adult dysphagia focuses on the instrumental evaluation of swallowing in clinical practice, with a focus on videofluoroscopy, endoscopy, the functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) and high resolution manometry. She also has a strong interest in evidence-based dysphagia rehabilitation. She has active research collaborations in Dublin teaching hospitals where her research focuses on high resolution manometry and dysphagia rehabilitation in people with oesophageal cancer. She is currently leading a national multi-site observational cohort study to investigate dysphagia and communication difficulties amongst adults hospitalised with COVID-19 across Ireland. She is involved in the development of the Trinity College Dublin Dysphagia Centre, which is the only university based multidisciplinary dysphagia research centre in Ireland.
She has over eighty peer-reviewed publications, including five book chapters. She received a Provost Project Award in 2018 for a study evaluating dysphagia pre-habilitation in adults with oesophageal cancer. She is actively involved in the European Society of Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) and she is a member of the International Pharyngeal Manometry Working group. She is a regular reviewer for numerous international peer-review journals and she has recently been appointed Editor of the IASLT-affiliated journal, Advances in Communication and Swallowing.
Her undergraduate teaching is in the areas of acquired dysarthria, adult neurology and dysphagia across the lifespan. She received a Trinity Teaching Excellence Award in 2020. She is an invited lecturer on the ESSD Masters programme in swallowing disorders and she was recently appointed a visiting Professor in the Faculty of Medicine in KU Leuven University where she lectures on the MSc in Deglutology. She has supervised PhD and MSc students to completion in the field of dysphagia and she has acted as internal and external PhD examiner.
She was appointed college tutor in 2019 and she has been a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee since 2017. She is a member of the TCD Inter-professional Learning (IPL) steering group and she is currently School Director of Global Relations.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Regan J, Walshe M, Lavan S,Horan E et al., Post-Extubation Dysphagia and Dysphonia amongst Adults with COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland: a Prospective Multi-Site Observational Cohort Study, Clinical Otolaryngology, 2021
Julie Regan, Emerging Role of Pharyngeal High Resolution Manometry in Dysphagia Evaluation, ENTUK BACO International 2020, Trinity College Dublin, January 10th , 2021, BACO
Rouse, Rachel & Regan, Julie, Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Speech and Language Therapists working with Adult Dysphagia: A National Survey, International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 2021
Barry, E. & Regan, J., An examination into the effect of genetic taste status and intensity of carbonation on swallowing and palatability in healthy young adults, International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 2021
Coyne, M. & Regan, J., Measuring the social impact of contemporary dysphagia research: an altmetric analysis, Speech, Language and Hearing, 2021
Regan J, Wiesinger T, Keane J, Walshe, M., Oesophageal Screening during Videofluoroscopy: International Practices and Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 22, (5), 2020, p591 - 600
Julie Regan, Impact of Sensory Stimulation on Pharyngo-esophageal Swallowing Biomechanics in Adults with Dysphagia: A High-Resolution Manometry Study, Dysphagia, 2020
Gillman, A., Walshe, M., Hayes, M., Reynolds, J., Regan, J., 'Exercise-based dysphagia rehabilitation for adults with oesophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PROSPERO International Register of Systematic Reviews, 2020, -
Estupinan Artiles, C., Regan, J. & Donnellan, C., Dysphagia Screening in Residential Care Settings: A Scoping Review, International Journal of Nursing Studies , 2020
Estupinan Artiles C, Regan J, Donnellan C, Dysphagia screening for post stroke patients living in residential care settings: a scoping review, International Journal of Stroke, European Stroke Organisation/World Stroke Organisation Conference 2020, Online , 7th-9th November , 15, (1 (Suppl)), 2020, pp353-
Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists, 'COVID-19 Guidelines', 2020, -
Baijens, L, Walshe, M, Aaltonen, , L, Arens, C, Cordier, R, Crass, P, Cravier-Buchman, L, Curtis, C, Golusinski, W, Govender, R, Eriksen, J, Hansen, K, Heathcote, K, Hess, M, Hosal, S, Klussman, J, Leemans, C, MacCarthy, D, Manduchi, B, Marie, J, Nouraei, R, Parkes, C, Pflug, C, Pilz, W, Regan, J, Rommel, N, Schindler, A, Schols, A, Speyer, R, Succo, G, Wessel, I, Yilmaz, T, Clave, P., , EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR SWALLOWING DISORDERS - CONFEDERATION OF EUROPEAN OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY HEAD AND NECK SURGERY WHITE PAPER: OROPHARYNGEAL DYSPHAGIA IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER, European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2020
Quigley, D. & Regan, J., Clinical Examination in Speech and Language Therapy Education: Student Perspectives, Folia Phoniatrica and Logopaedica, 2020
Seaver, E., Regan, J., Dysphagia Services in Irish Nursing Homes: a National Survey, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Vienna, Austria, 17-18th September , 35, Springer, 2020, pp133 - 205
Burke, K, Healy, C. & Regan, J, Intra-Oral Cancer Awareness amongst Speech and Language Therapists, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Vienna, Austria, 17-18th September , Springer, 2020
Kenny, C., Regan, J., Balding, L., Higgins, S., O'Leary, N., Kelleher, F., McDermott, R., Armstrong, J., Mihai, A., Tiernan, E. and Westrup, J., Dysphagia prevalence and predictors in cancers outside the head, neck, and upper gastrointestinal tract. , Journal of pain and symptom management., 2019
Julie Regan, Impact of sensory stimulation on pharyngeal swallowing biomechanics in adults with dysphagia: a high resolution manometry study, Dysphagia, Dysphagia Research Society, San Diego, USA, March 2019, Springer, 2019
Mavrea, S. & Regan, J., The Diagnostic Accuracy of the Pitch Glide to Identify Aspiration in Patients with Respiratory Diseases: A Pilot Study, Folia Phoniatrica and Logopaedica, 2019
Chronic dysphagia post traumatic brain injury in, editor(s)Walshe, M. & Huckabee, M. L. , Clinical Cases in Dysphagia, London, Routledge, 2018, pp26 - 40, [Regan, Julie]
Kenny C., Regan J., Walsh D., Dysphagia in cancer patients: Common, dangerous, and under-diagnosed , 26 , (S2 ), 2018, ppS170 -
Kenny, C., Gilheaney, O, Walsh, D, Regan, J., Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Evaluation Tools in Adults with Solid Malignancies Outside the Head and Neck and Upper GI Tract: A Systematic Review, Dysphagia, 33, (3), 2018, p303 - 320
O'Hara, Daly, B., B. Walsh, I, Regan, J, "Decision-making means to me I can decide what I eat" : Exploring Experiences of Decision-Making in Adults with Cerebral Palsy and Dysphagia, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Barcelona, Spain, September 2017, 2018
Higgins, E., Regan, J., Impact of carbonation on swallow safety and efficiency in adults with neurogenic dysphagia: A FEES study, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Barcelona, Spain, September 2017, 2018
Kenny, C., Regan, J. Walsh, D., CANCER CACHEXIA AND DYSPHAGIA: A NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC DILEMMA?, Clinical Nutrition, ESPEN 2018, Madrid, Spain, 1-4 September 2018, 37, 2018, pp77 - 78
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in cancers outside the head, neck, and upper GI tract, Translating Health and Social Care Professions' Research into Policy and Practice, Dublin, 2018, 2018
Mavrea, S., Regan, J., Perceptual and acoustic evaluation of pitch elevation to predict aspiration status in adults with dysphagia, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Barcelona, Spain, September 2017, 2018
R. Byrne, Nina Sivan, F. Duignan, D. Berry , J. Regan, DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT DEVICE TO EVALUATE HYOLARYNGEAL EXCURSION DURING SWALLOWING AT THE BEDSIDE, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Milan, October 2016, Springer, 2017
Teresa Wiesinger , M.B. McArdle , O. Ekberg , J. Regan, OESOPHAGEAL SCREENING DURING VIDEOFLUOROSCOPY: CURRENT SLT PRACTICES, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Milan, October 2016, 2017
Zarkada, A., Regan, J., Inter-Rater Reliability of the Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale., Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Milan, October 2016, 2017
Regan, J. Lawson, S. De Aguiar, V., EAT-10 dysphagia rating scale predicts aspiration in adults with respiratory disease, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders., Milan, October 2016, Springer, 2017
Zarkada, A., Regan, J., Inter-rater Reliability of the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS): Effects of Clinical Experience, Audio-Recording and Training, Dysphagia, 2017
Regan, J, Lawson, S, De Aguair, The Eating Assessment Tool-10 Predicts Aspiration in Adults with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Dysphagia, 32, (5), 2017, p714 - 720
Walshe M, Ryan M, Regan J, Screening for Dysphagia: Perspectives and practices of speech and language therapists in the Republic of Ireland. , Folia Phoniatrica , 69, (5-6), 2017, p226 - 238
C. Kenny, J. Regan, D. Walsh, PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF SCREENING AND EVALUATION TOOLS FOR ORO-PHARYNGEAL DYSPHAGIA IN ADULTS WITH CANCER OUTSIDE OF THE UPPER GI TRACT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Milan, October 2016, Springer, 2017
J. Regan, L. Brogan, L. Kiefer, B. McArdle, A. Prickladnicki, N. Sivan, A. Zarkada, OESOPHAGEAL SCREENING DURING VIDEOFLUOROSCOPY: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL AUDIT OF CURRENT SLT PRACTICE, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Milan, October 2016, Springer, 2017
Kenny, C., Gilheany, O., Walsh, D., Regan, J. , 'Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Evaluation Tools in Adults with Solid Malignancies Outside the Head and Neck and Upper GI Tract: A Systematic Review', PROSPERO International Register of Systematic Reviews, 2016, -
Walshe M, Regan J, Conducting a Cochrane Systematic Review of Interventions, HSCP - HSE Annual Conference, Dublin , 16th November , 2016, HSE
E Holmes, C Kenny, M Samuel, J Regan, J O'Rourke, C McCoubrey, The role of Speech and Language Therapy in Assessing and Managing Pharyngo-esophageal Diverticula, Irish Medical Journal, accpeted 2015, 2016
Lawson, S. & Regan, J., Ability of the EAT-10 to predict aspiration during FEES in an adult dysphagia of mixed aetiology, 30th World Congress of the International Association for Logopedics & Phoniatrics, City West Dublin, August 2016, 2016
Walshe M, Regan J, Looking for Evidence: Rehabilitation Management based on FEES and VFS, 6th ESSD Congress, Milan, Italy, 12th October, 2016, European Society for Swallowing Disorders
J Regan, S Lawson, B Hall, G Holleran, M Murphy, B McMahon, D McNamara, Transnasal gastroscopy: a faster procedure and better tolerated than standard endoscopy in a feasibility, safety and acceptability comparative study, Irish Journal of Medical Science, Irish Society of Gastroenterology Summer Meeting, June 2014, 184, (s90), GRAYS INN RD, 6TH FLOOR, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND: SPRINGER LONDON LTD, 2015, 2015, pps90 - s91
S. Lawson, J. Keane, J. Regan, Is Our New Fees Service in an Acute Hospital Setting Changing, Dysphagia, 4th European Society for Swallowing Disorders, Belgium, 23-25 October 2014, 30, Springer, 2015, pp213 - 271
Regan, J. , Role of the Functional Lumen Imaging Profile in Dysphagia evaluation, 13th OESO Conference, Monte Carlo, September , 2015
J Regan, M Murphy, D McNamara , Can dysphagia referrals to acute gastroenterology service be diverted to a dysphagia evaluation clinic? , IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, Irish Gastroenterology Society Summer Meeting , Kilashee House Hotel, Kildare, June 12-13th 2014, 184, (236), GRAYS INN RD, 6TH FLOOR, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND: SPRINGER LONDON LTD, 2015., 2015, pp84 - 84
Lottrup, Christian, Hans Gregersen, Donghua Liao, Lotte Fynne, Jens Brøndum Frøkjær, Klaus Krogh, Julie Regan, Peter Kunwald, and Barry P. McMahon, Functional lumen imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, Journal of Gastroenterology,, 50, 2015, p1005 - 1016
Regan J, Walshe M, Timon C, McMahon B, Endoflip: Evaluation of pharyngo-oesophageal segment tone and swallowing in a clinical population: A total laryngectomy series. , Clinical Otolaryngology, 40, (2), 2015, p121 - 129
J. Keane, S. Lawson & J. Regan, There is a Significant Association Between Airway Protection, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Belgium, 23rd-25tOctober 2014, 30, Springer, 2015, pp213 - 271
Regan J, Murphy A, Chiang M, McMahon BP, Coughlan T, Walshe M., Botulinum toxin for upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction in neurological swallowing disorders. , Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , ( Issue 5. ), 2014
Regan, J. , New Measures of Upper Oesophageal Sphincter Distensibility, European Society of Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) Congress, Brussels, October , 2014
Lawson, S, Hall, B, Holleran, G, Murphy, M, Regan, J, McMahon, B, McNamara, D, TRANSNASAL GASTROSCOPY: WILL IT WORK?, Dysphagia, Dysphagia Research Society Annual Meeting, Nashville, Tennessee, 5-8th March 2014, (29), 2014, pp766-
Regan, J., The Dysphagia Team- The European Experience, 3rd European Society for Swallowing Disorders Congress, Malmo, Sweden, October, 2013
Regan J, Walshe M, Rommel N, Tack J, McMahon BP, New measures of upper esophageal sphincter distensibility and opening patterns during swallowing in healthy subjects using EndoFLIP®., Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society, 25, (1), 2013, pe25-34
Regan J, Walshe M, Rommel N, & McMahon B, Non radiological measurement of extent and duration of UES opening during swallowing , Dysphagia , European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Barcelona, Spain, 26-27th October 2012, 28, 2013, pp292
Regan J, Walshe M, Rommel N, McMahon BP, A new evaluation of the upper esophageal sphincter using the functional lumen imaging probe: a preliminary report., Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus / I.S.D.E, 26, (2), 2013, p117-23
Miller L, Clavé P, Farré R, Lecea B, Ruggieri MR, Ouyang A, Regan J, McMahon BP, Physiology of the upper segment, body, and lower segment of the esophagus., Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1300, 2013, p261-77
B Hall, G Holleran, S Lawson, J Regan, M Murphy, B McMahon, D McNamara, Who nose? Transnasal gastroscopy might be best- a pilot, Gut, 01/2013, 62, 2013, ppA32 - A33
Neuromuscular Conditions in, editor(s)RD Newman & J Nightingale , Videofluoroscopy - A Multidisciplinary Approach, San Diego, Plural Publishing , 2012, [Regan, J & Walshe M]
Regan J, Walshe M, McMahon B, challenges in evaluating the upper esophageal sphincter in dysphagia practice, Dysphagia , Dysphagia Research Society , Austin Texas USA, March 2011, 26, 2012, pp454-
Regan J, Walshe M, Murphy A, McMahon B, Coughlan T. , Botulinum toxin for upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction in neurological swallowing disorders, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7), 2012
Regan J, Walshe M, Murphy A, McMahon B, Coughlan T, Botulinum toxin for UES dysfunction, UK Swallow Research Group, London , 16-17th February, 2012
Regan J, Walshe M, McMahon BP, Current evaluation of upper oesophageal sphincter opening in dysphagia practice: an international SLT survey., International journal of language & communication disorders / Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, 47, (2), 2012, p156-65
Regan J, Walshe M, McMahon B, Instrumental evaluation of the upper oesophageal sphincter in dysphagia practice: Satisfaction amongst Irish SLTs. , Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists Biennial Conference , Dublin, November 24th & 25th, 2011
Regan, J., Prevention of Dysphagia: Linking Research to Practice, 1st Congress of the European Society of Swallowing Disorders , Leiden, The Netherlands, 8th September, 2011, European Society of Swallowing Disorders
Regan J, Walshe M, McMahon B, Use of Functional Lumen Imaging Probe to Measure Extent and Duration of UES Opening , Dysphagia Research Society , San Antonio, Texas USA, March 2011, 2011
Texture Modified Diets in, Ickenstein, G. W., & Clavé, P. , Diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia., Germany, UNI-MED-Verlag., 2011, [Julie Regan]
Regan, J, McMahon, B, Distensibility Testing Using the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe to Measure Duration and Extent of UES Opening-Preliminary Data, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 10th World Congress of OESO, Boston, August 28-31st 2010, 45, (2), 2011, pp190 - 190
Regan, J., Dysphagia Rehabilitation: Postures and Manoeuvres, FRANC dysphagia conference, Bad Homburg, Germany, February, 2011
Regan, J. , Oral Nutrition in Dysphagia- A True Alternative, European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN), Nice, France, September, 2010
Regan, J, McMahon, B, T1907 a novel distensibility technique for measuring upper esophageal function-pilot data, Gastroenterology, Digestive Diseases Week (DDW) 2009, Chicago, Illinois, May 30th-June 4th , 138, (5), 2010, ppS604-
Regan J, Walshe M & McMahon B, Working Towards an Objective and Reliable Evaluation of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter, UK Swallowing Research Group, London UK, 4th - 5th February, 2010
Regan J, Symptoms of dysphagia across neurological conditions during videofluoroscopy, European Journal of Neurology, European Neurological Society Conference, Venice, June 2008, 16, 2009, pp42 - 42
Biploar Affective Disorder in, H. Jones J. Rosenbeck , Dysphagia in Rare Conditions: An Encyclopaedia., San Diego, Plural Publishing Inc., 2009, pp47 - 57, [Sowman, R., Regan, J. & Walsh, I.P. ]
Regan J, Walshe M, McMahon B, Evaluation of Upper Oesophageal Sphincter Opening: Room for Improvement , IASLT Biennial Conference , Galway , 22nd - 23rd October , 2009
Schizophrenia in, editor(s)H. Jones J.Rosenbeck , Dysphagia in Rare Conditions: An Encyclopaedia., San Diego, Plural Publishing Inc., 2009, pp523 - 525, [Regan, J., Sowman, R., & Walsh, I.P. ]
Regan, Julie, Walshe, Margaret, Tobin, Oliver, Immediate effects of thermal-tactile stimulation on swallowing in Idiopathic Parkinsons Disease, Dysphagia, 25, (3), 2009, p207 - 215
Regan, J, The effectiveness of Ireland's first videofluoroscopy analysis course, Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists Annual Conference, London, March 2009, 2009
Regan, J., De Roiste, M., Greene, J., Murray, D., Donnolly, S., Hill, F., McCabe, D. & Murphy, R. , A Multidisciplinary Education and Support Group for Individuals with MND and their Carers, Physical Therapy Reviews, Rehabilitation Therapy and Research Society 3rd Annual Conference, Jordanstown, April 2007, 13, (2), 2008, pp119 - 142
Regan, J & Keane, J, SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF SWALLOWING IN IPD-IS TIME OF THE ESSENCE?, Dysphagia, Dysphagia Reserch Society, New Orleans, March 2008, 24, (4), 2008, pp463 - `463
Regan, J & Walshe, M, Thermal tactile stimulation- "Throwing the baby out with the bathwater", Physical Reviews, Rehabilitation and Research Society Meeting, University of Ulster, Belfast, NI, April 2007, 13, (2), 2008, pp127-
De Roiste, M., Regan, J., Greene, J., Murray, D., Donnolly, S., Hill, F., McCabe, D. & Murphy, R. (2007). , A Multidisciplinary Education & Support Group For People with MND and their Carers. , Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) Conference, May 2007, 2007
Walsh, I.P., Regan, J., Sowman, R., Parsons, B. & Mc Kay, A.P., A needs analysis for the provision of a speech and language therapy service to adults with mental health disorders", Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , 24, (3), 2007, p89 - 93
Regan, J & Walshe, M , Thermal Tactile Stimulation in people with ideopathic Parkinson's disease, IASLT Biennial Conference , Kilkenny, Ireland, March 7-9, 2007
J. Regan, I. Walsh, R. Sowman, B. Parsons, A.P. Mc Kay , 'Prevalence of dysphagia in acute and community mental health settings" , Dysphagia, 21, (2), 2006, p95 - 101
J. Regan, R. Sowman and I. Walsh, Dysphagia in mental illness, Bulletin , Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists , July 2004, 2004
T. Fennell, M. O'Grady, M. Hennigan, P. Munnelly, P. Neary, L. Parkes, J. Regan, H. Daly, E. Murtagh, S. J. Lane, Pilot oxygen prescription audit, Irish Thoracic Society Conference, Citywest, November 2002, 2002
T. Fennell, M. O'Grady, M. Hennigan, P. Munnelly, P. Neary, L. Parkes, J. Regan, H. Daly, E. Murtagh, S. J. Lane, Domiciliary Peak flow meter usage amongst asthmatic patients, Irish Thoracic Society Conference, Citywest, November 2002, 2002
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Regan, J., Advanced Dysphagia Conference, October 20-21st 2019, In:Advanced Dysphagia Conference, 2019, Trinity College Dublin
Regan, J., Pharyngeal high resolution manometry to promote adherence in dysphagia intervention: a case study , European Society of Swallowing Disorders, Vienna, Austria, 17-18th September , 2019
Walshe M, Regan J, Kenny C. , 8th Annual ESSD Congress, 25th - 29th Sept , In:Dysphagia: Shaping the Future, 2018, Aviva Stadium Dublin
Regan, J., The Upper Oesophageal Sphincter and Dysphagia: Role of the Speech and Language Therapist, High Resolution Manometry Masterclass: UOS and Dysphagia- How Useful is High Resolution Manometry, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, 26th March , 2018, Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in Cancers outside the Head, Neck, and Upper GI Tract, BACO, Manchester, UK, June 2018, 2018, British Association for Clinical Otolaryngology
Regan, J. & Walshe, M., Giving Voice to Dysphagia in the Irish Healthcare System, Irish Medical Times, 2017
Walshe, M & Regan, M, Managing dysphagia in dementia - can we do better?, Irish Medical Times, 2017
Regan, J. & Walshe, M, Interdisciplinary Evaluation of Swallowing and Voice: Exploring the Aerodigestive Tract, 10th & 11th Nov 2016, 2016, Trinity College Dublin
Regan, J, Consistent Consistencies in Dysphagia, British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), Harrogate, UK, November, 2008
Research Expertise
Projects
- Title
- Adaption of the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe for non-radiological evaluation of the upper oesophageal sphincter
- Summary
- This PhD research focused on the clinical adaption of the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe to evaluate the upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) during swallowing. In intially, the safety and feasibility of probe positioning and dilation was investigated in healthy and clinical populations during videofluoroscopy. Secondly, UES compliance was piloted in healthy adults during ramp distensions using the EndoFLIP. This data collection took place with collaborators Prof. Nathalie Rommel and Prof. Jan Tack in KU University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium. This initial study informed the acquisition of normative data on UES distensibility and estimated UES diameter and intra-balloon pressure changes during swallowing events in a healthy adult cohort. Finally, distensibility of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment was evaluated in adults with laryngectomy in St. James' Hospital Dublin and differences between clinical and healthy profiles were calculated. Findings from these studies suggested that the functional lumen imaging probe has the potential to provide new insights into UES dynamics which could be of great value to clinical dysphagia practice.
- Funding Agency
- Health Research Board
- Date From
- 2009
- Date To
- 2012
- Title
- Impact of a novel swallow prehabilitation programme on clinical and quality of life outcomes in adults with oesophageal cancer
- Summary
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is the most common presenting symptom of oesophageal cancer. It is multifactorial, initially caused by a narrowing of the gullet (oesophagus), preventing food and drinks from passing into the stomach. Following treatment with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, or various combinations of these modalities, swallowing problems often persist. Surgery for instance can lead to significant anatomical and physiological alterations (e.g., removal of part of the oesophagus) which impact on swallowing. Additionally, the recurrent laryngeal nerve can be damaged during oesophagectomy surgery which can further exacerbate swallowing. Consequently, dysphagia is a prominent issue for survivors of oesophageal cancer (Kaneoka et al, 2018). While compensatory treatments have been developed to relieve the symptoms of dysphagia in people with oesophageal cancer (e.g., stents, dilatation, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, alcohol injection), no evidence-based rehabilitation programmes are in place within clinical practice to prevent, minimise or reverse the presence of a swallowing difficulty. This is a major service gap with dreadful ramifications both on the person and the healthcare service. There is clearly an unmet need for an evidence based treatment to optimise swallowing in this population. This PPA funded project is in collaboration with Prof. John Reynolds, Professor of Surgery and Consultant Surgeon in the National Oesophageal Cancer Centre in St. James' Hospital, Dublin. The aim of this pioneering research is to establish if a novel swallow prehabilitation programme can improve clinical and QOL measures in adults with oesophageal cancer. Initially, a feasibility study will be conducted in the National Oesophageal Cancer Centre in St. James' Hospital (SJH) to ensure the programme is safe and acceptable. Findings will inform a randomised control trial. Clinical and quality of life measures will be obtained from participants post-diagnosis. Participants will be randomised into treatment and control groups. Within the treatment group, participants will embark on a novel 12 week dysphagia intervention programme with weekly on-site meetings in SJH. Tests will be conducted before and after the dysphagia programme and six months post prehabilitation to determine change from clinical and quality of life perspectives.
- Funding Agency
- Provost Project Award
- Date From
- Sept 2019
- Date To
- Sept 2022
- Title
- Expiratory muscle strength training to improve swallowing outcomes post oesophagectomy
- Summary
- Respiratory muscle strength training has been shown to improve aspiration status in adults with head and neck cancer. While respiratory muscle strength training is used to optimise respiratory reserve and prevent physical decline in adults with oesophageal cancer, its benefits have not been explored fro ma dysphagia perspective. This research aims to investigate the feasibility of expiratory muscle strength training at different time points throughout the oesophageal cancer treatment pathway and to determine the impact of this exercise-based rehabilitation on clinical and quality of life outcomes.
- Funding Agency
- PhD scholarship, School of Language and Communication Sciences
- Date From
- Sept 2020
- Date To
- Sept 2026
- Title
- Sensory stimulation to alter pharyngeal swallow dynamics in neurogenic dysphagia: a high resolution manometry study
- Summary
- I am leading this research project which is in collaboration with the speech and language therapy department in Tallaght Hospital. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Joint (TUH/SJH) Research Ethics Committee. This project will initially investigate factors (mode of drinking, neuromuscular stimulation and saline intensity) on pharyngeal pressure and impedance recordings during swallowing using metrics recommended by the International Pharyngeal High Resolution Manometry working group. Data will be analysed using Swallowgateway, an online semi-automated analysis system. In the second stage of this research, the impact of sensory stimulation (cold, sour, carbonation) will be investigated in adults with Parkinson's Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The impact and acceptability of sensory stimulation on pressure and impedance metrics will be determined and the role of genetic taste status in response to stimulation will be explored. Differences in response to sensory stimulation between neurogenic (i.e., Parkinson's disease) and non-neurogenic (COPD) cohorts will be examined.
- Date From
- July 2020
- Title
- Dysphagia and Communication Difficulties amongst Hospitalised adults with COVID-19 across Ireland (DISCOVER): a multi-site observational cohort study
- Summary
- This study aims to establish the clinical characteristics of dysphagia and communication difficulties amongst adults with COVID-19 admitted in hospital settings across Ireland. It also seeks to identify the factors associated with successful patient outcomes. Thirdly, it aims to establish the rehabilitation needs and services provided to this clinical population. Ethical approval was been obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee- COVID-19 (NREC) in June 2020. Speech and language therapy departments from 21 clinical sites across Ireland will provide data for analysis. Data collection will begin in June 2020. Study findings will advance our understanding of this distinct clinical cohort and tailor future service delivery to optimise patient outcomes.
- Date From
- July 2020
- Title
- Immediate effects of thermal-tactile stimulation on swallowing in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
- Date From
- 2005
- Date To
- 2007
Recognition
Representations
Member of Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) International Interprofessional Committee
Member of Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) Awards and Scholarships Committee
Editor, Advances in Communication and Swallowing (official journal of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists)
Visiting Professor, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven
Member of the International Pharyngeal High Resolution Manometry Working Group
Reviewer for journals including Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Dysphagia, European Radiology, Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine, International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders: International Journal of Speech and Language Pathology: Geriatrics: Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica: Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology; Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies amongst other journals
Member of panel of assessors, CORU (regulatory body)
Board member of Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association
Awards and Honours
Trinity Excellence in Teaching Award 2019/2020
TCD Provost Project Award 2018
Health Research Board (HRB) Grant for Health Care Professionals
1st poster prize United Kingdom Swallow Research Group (UKSRG). UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
Meath Foundation Quality Improvement Fund to obtain training in Trans-Nasal Oesophagoscopy (TNO)
Adelaide Society new initiative grant to initiate multidisciplinary MND education & support group in AMNCH
Science Foundation Ireland Conference and Workshop Grant
Memberships
Full member of Dysphagia Research Society
Member of European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD)
Member of the International Pharyngeal High Resolution Impedance Manometry (PHRIM) Working Group
Member of Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT)
Member of Irish Adult Dysphagia Special Interest Group
Member of the Trinity Academic Gastroenterology Group (TAGG)
Registered with CORU (Registration body for Health & Social Care Professionals in Ireland)