Dysphagia screening in stroke patients using V-VST
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0229.44661Keywords:
stroke; evaluation of results of preventive actions; nursing care; methods; deglutition disordersAbstract
Introduction: Dysphagia has a high incidence worldwide, especially in people over 65 years of age and those with stroke, and is associated with a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia and mortality. Prevention of these complications depends on early detection through screening methods. At the Professor Doctor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, the Volume-Viscosity Clinical Exploration. The method is used, initially applied in the General Emergency Room and the Neurology Service.
Objective: To understand the impact of dysphagia screening in patients with stroke admitted to the General Emergency Room and the Neurology Service of Professor Doctor Fernando Fonseca Hospital.
Methods: Prospective observational study, following STROBE guidelines, with a favorable opinion from the Ethics Committee of the Amadora-Sintra Local Health Unit. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke between March 5 and September 5, 2024, were included.
Results: 427 patients were identified, with a mean age of over 65 years. The dysphagia rate was 13.11%, aspiration pneumonia 5.85%, mortality 10.07%, and the mean length of stay was 18.06 days. Mortality and length of stay were higher in patients with aspiration pneumonia. The results were more favorable compared to 2023 and most published studies.
Conclusion: The implementation of dysphagia screening resulted in health gains, with improved clinical outcomes, despite the absence of statistically significant associations.
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