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Introduction and objectives: Dysphagia is common among older patients, affecting their nutritional status, hospital readmission, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs. Nurses can play a key role in early identification of dysphagia through systematic screening. This project sought to (i) achieve 80% compliance among nurses in using the 4-point questionnaire test (4QT) swallow screening test on patients and (ii) ensure all patients screening positive for dysphagia were referred to a speech therapist within 1 day. Methods: A short swallow screening tool was adapted from an evidence-based screening tool, the 4QT, by a team of speech therapists, a geriatrician, and a geriatric trained nurse. Ward nurses were then trained on using the tool to screen older patients upon admission or transfer to another ward. The project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which involved pre and post audits and feedback to evaluate compliance with best practice. Results: Compliance increased in the use of the short swallow screening tool, rising from 64% (n  = 25) in the baseline audit to 71% (n  = 34) in the follow-up audit. However, there was a decrease in the referral of patients who screened positive for dysphagia to speech therapists, with the rate dropping from 92% (n  = 12) to 86% (n  = 12). All patients (n  = 12) from both baseline and follow-up audits were referred to a speech therapist within 1 day of admission/transfer post-implementation compared with 70% (n  = 7) at pre-implementation. Conclusions: This project applied evidence-based recommendations to clinical practice and improved patient outcomes. The nurses facilitated timely referrals to speech therapists for further assessment and intervention, which was useful in the clinical context. The nurses continue to use the screening tool routinely to prevent dysphagia complications among geriatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia is common after stroke. Patients with dysphagia have a higher risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and poor outcomes. Early detection of dysphagia is necessary to identify and manage patients at high risk of aspiration. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the systematic administration of the volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that enrolled patients with acute ischaemic stroke in two consecutive time periods: pre-V-VST, when the 30-mL water-swallowing test (WST) was systematically administered, and V-VST, when all patients underwent the WST and the V-VST test was systematically administered if the patient failed the WST.Results: Two hundred and 42 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 68.8 ± 10.88 years, 61.2% were male, and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 3 (IQR, 1-6). A total of 147 patients were enrolled during the pre-V-VST period and 95 were enrolled during the V-VST period. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of SAP (21.8% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.024) and the rate of nasogastric tube feeding (25.9% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.040) between the two groups, and no differences were found in the length of hospital stay (p = 0.277) or the total cost of hospitalization (p = 0.846).Conclusions: The V-VST was a better clinical screening tool, and it can also provide detailed suggestions regarding dietary modifications to prevent aspiration and SAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia is common after stroke and represents a major risk factor for developing aspiration pneumonia. Early detection can reduce the risk of pulmonary complications and death. Despite the fact that evidence-based guidelines recommend screening for swallowing deficit using a standardized screening tool, national audits has identified a gap between practice and this recommendation. The aim was to determine the level of adherence to an evidence-based recommendation on swallow assessment and to take actions to improve practice if necessary. Methods: We carried out a criteria-based clinical audit (CBCA) in a small stroke unit at a Norwegian hospital. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack were included. A power calculation informed the number of included patients at baseline (n = 80) and at re-audit (n = 35). We compared the baseline result with the evidence-based criteria and gave feedback to management and staff. A brainstorming session, a root-cause analysis and implementation science were used to inform the quality improvement actions which consisted of workshops, use of local opinion leaders, manual paper reminders and feedback. We completed a re-audit after implementation. Percentages and median are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among 88 cases at baseline, documentation of swallow screening was complete for 6% (95% CI 2-11). In the re-audit (n = 51) 61% (95% CI 45-74) had a complete screening. Conclusion: A CBCA involving management and staff, and using multiple tailored intervention targeting barriers, led to greater adherence with the recommendation for screening stroke patients for dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the success of oral alimentation and patient retention rate 1 to 5 days after passing the Yale Swallow Protocol. Methods: Participants were 200 consecutive acute care inpatients referred for swallow assessment. Inclusion criteria were adequate cognitive abilities to participate safely, completing an oral mechanism examination, and passing the 3-ounce water swallow challenge. Exclusion criteria were altered mental status, failing the 3-ounce challenge, preadmission dysphagia, head-of-bed restrictions < 30°, and a tracheotomy tube. Electronic medical record monitoring post-protocol passing for 1 to 5 consecutive days determined success of oral alimentation and retention rate. Results: All patients who remained medically and neurologically stable drank thin liquids and ate successfully 1 to 5 days after passing the protocol. Mean (SD) volume of liquid ingested per day was 474.2 (435.5) cc. Patient retention declined steadily from day of testing (n = 200) through post-testing day 5 (n = 95). Conclusion: Passing the Yale Swallow Protocol allowed for initial determination of aspiration risk followed by successful oral alimentation for 1 to 5 days in medically and neurologically stable acute care hospitalized patients and without the need for instrumental dysphagia testing. The decline in patient retention was expected because of increasingly rapid transit through the acute care setting, which often renders longer follow-up problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]