Poster Session
Issue Date: August 2019
Published Online: August 01, 2019
Updated: April 30, 2020
Preventing Aspiration Complications: Implementing a Swallow Screening Tool
Gina Pifer, EdD, OTR/L, BCPR; Janelle Hatlevig, OTR/L, BCPR; Tina Wangen, RN, MS, APRN; Kirsten Vitale, RN, MSN
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
  • Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
  • Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
  • Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
Article Information
Cardiopulmonary Conditions / Evidence-Based Practice / Neurologic Conditions / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Stroke / Prevention and Intervention
Poster Session   |   August 01, 2019
Preventing Aspiration Complications: Implementing a Swallow Screening Tool
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2019, Vol. 73, 7311515363. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO5031
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2019, Vol. 73, 7311515363. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO5031
Abstract

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