Eating and Drinking Classification System (EDACS)

Children with cerebral palsy have difficulties with movement and some have difficulty biting, chewing and swallowing.  Children who have these difficulties are likely to have problems with eating and drinking enough to stay healthy.

PenCRU were part of a team led by Diane Sellers at Chailey Heritage Clinical Services (Sussex Community NHS Trust) who developed and continue evaluating the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for children with cerebral palsy (EDACS). The initial work was funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme.

As part of this research we carried out a systematic review to establish that there was no adequate existing classification system.

We then conducted a series of studies testing of the reliability between classifications made by speech and language therapists, and also between therapists and parents.

Diane received funding from British Academy of Childhood Disability Paul Polani Award to examine retrospectively the stability of EDACS over time, and to explore associations between EDACS level and children's growth. 

For more information about this study, contact Diane Sellers.