Swallow screen and test in cancer patients

e18288 Background: Swallowing is a complex process with four phases. It initiates digestion and is essential for proper nutrition. Difficulty swallowing independently correlated with cancer survival. We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence and incidence of difficulty swallowing in an acute care palliative medicine unit. BMI and survival were also examined. Methods: Electronic Medical Records (EMR) 2010-2012 was reviewed. Assessment comprised of 3 steps: nurse survey on patient condition (coma, intubation, PEG/feeing tube, respiratory distress), screening questionnaire and clinical swallowing test. Change in BMI from the day of admission to discharge calculated. Survival calculated from EMR and Social Security Death Index. Results: N = 261 with cancer identified; 47% known metastases. The mean age (± SD) was 68 ± 13 years. 55% females. 71% Caucasians and 25% African Americans. It was common in lung, gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) cancers. Clinical swallowing test was indicated in 94%. Prevalence of difficulty swallowing = 6%. Incidence of difficulty swallowing = 21%. Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) from 26 ± 7 (Mean ± SD) to 26 ± 6 on admission to discharge respectively. Median (25th, 75th percentile) survival: 25(13, 62) days. Conclusions: Difficulty swallowing was common in lung, GI and GU cancers. The incidence of difficulty swallowing in acute care palliative medicine unit was 21% and prevalence 6%. 75% with difficulty swallowing identified by nurse’s initial survey, 19% through screening questionnaires and 6% clinical swallowing test. Pneumonia/respiratory and GI problems were common. Swallowing evaluation critical for comprehensive cancer care.