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CHOSEN: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Craig J. Smith, A. Brand, Zoe Hoare, E. Jones, C. Davidson, Wendy Westoby, I. Clements, Fiona Sandom et al.

Journal of the American Heart Association : Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease, 2025

120 participants · 3 citations

Abstract

Background Improving oral health in patients with acutely dysphagic stroke is a plausible approach to prevent pneumonia. We aimed to determine whether a phase 3, definitive trial of oral health care (OHC) treatments, supported by staff education and training, is feasible in stroke unit care. Methods The CHOSEN (Chlorhexidine or Toothpaste, Manual or Powered Brushing to prevent Pneumonia Complicating Stroke) trial was conducted and reported in line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 statement extended to feasibility trials. We aimed to recruit 120 participants with acute stroke and dysphagia within 24 hours of admission, from 4 stroke units in the northwest of England, randomized (1:1:1:1) to 1 of 4 OHC treatments: manual toothbrush or powered toothbrush with either nonfoaming toothpaste or chlorhexidine 1% gel. Stroke unit nursing staff received standardized education and training. Feasibility was assessed using a priori criteria. Results Between January 2022 and end of January 2023, 626 patients were screened. A total of 101 participants (median age, 73 [interquartile range, 62–80] years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 10 [interquartile range, 5–18]; 44% women) were enrolled (77% of eligible patients approached). Adherence was 91%, with no substantial difference between the OHC treatments, and 88% completed follow‐up. There were 19 serious adverse events but no marked differences between allocated OHC treatments. In…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 120 participants or records.

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