Implementation of a swallow screening protocol in a tertiary adult intensive care unit: A quality improvement project
Abstract
Background: Post-extubation dysphagia occurs in 3% to 62% of adults who have received invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU). A stepwise approach to identify dysphagia includes a routine swallow screening in patients who are recently extubated followed by a formal assessment by a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), in the event of a failed swallow screen, has been suggested. This quality improvement project aimed to implement and evaluate a new post-extubation swallow screening process.