Preventing Aspiration Complications: Implementing a Swallow Screening Tool

Date Presented 04/05/19

There is a clear need for improved clinical identification of all acutely ill hospitalized patients at risk for aspiration. In 2016, a 1,100-bed quaternary-care facility found an upward trend in mortality rates with diagnoses of aspiration from years 2013 to 2015. An aspiration risk screening process was implemented to increase timely involvement of a dysphagia therapist. Current mortality data indicates that this change increases patient safety by timely involvement of dysphagia therapists.

Primary Author and Speaker: Gina Pifer

Additional Authors and Speakers: Janelle Hatlevig

Contributing Authors: Tina Wangen, Kirsten Vitale