Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine

Began 8/7/18

Will determine:

1. If the number of days intubated (7 days) is correct for needing a formal dysphagia evaluation performed by an SLP

2. If the bedside dysphagia tool is valid in the MICU patient population

Steps to follow:

1. Once patient is extubated the RN will call pager 3614 to notify SLPs that there is a newly extubated patient and confirm a tentative time for the bedside and formal SLP dysphagia evaluation to be done The SLP dysphagia screen should be completed within 2 hours of the bedside dysphagia screen (note: SLPs finish their day around 3:30pm).

2. It is important to call SLPs right after extubation so a chart review can be done prior to any bedside dysphagia screening documentation is done by nursing.

3. The nurses will perform the bedside dysphagia screen approximately 2 hours post extubation following the usual flow. If patient passes then begin diet. If fails will keep NPO until a formal SLP dysphagia evaluation is completed.

4. Once the SLP arrives to the floor at the agreed upon time, they will confirm that the bedside dysphagia screen is completed.

5. SLP will have provider order formal SLP dysphagia evaluation.

6. SLP will perform the formal SLP dysphagia evaluation.