Effect of swallowing rounds on the outcome of dysphagic patients

Abstract

Effect of swallowing rounds on the outcome of dysphagic patients. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2015; 6: 50-55. Objective: To retrospectively investigate the effect of ward rounds to check swallowing function (hereafter, swallowing rounds) on the outcome of dysphagic patients. Methods: Upon requests from ward nurses or clinical departments in our hospital, a full-time certified nurse specialist in dysphagia examines the general condition of patients and performs screening for dysphagia. For patients who require detailed investigations, a transdisciplinary dysphagia care team conducts ward rounds and evaluates these patients in principle by videoendoscopic evaluation of swallowing. We reviewed the records of patients in whom swallowing rounds were conducted between September 2006 and March 2010, and analyzed the food texture and eating status scale (ESS) scores at the first intervention, after the first intervention and at the last observation; dysphagia severity scale (DSS) scores at the first intervention and at the last observation; and onset of pneumonia during intervention. Results: Among 1,330 patients suspected of dysphagia, 998 were judged to require detailed investigations and swallowing rounds were conducted. As a result of intervention, significant improvements in food texture, ESS score, and DSS score were observed. The incidence of pneumonia was 3.7%. Discussion: Improvements in food texture, ESS score, and DSS score were achieved by conducting swallowing rounds.