Speech–Language Pathologist-led Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Functional Outcomes for Patients after Stroke

BackgroundDysphagia is a common complication after stroke and is associated with the development of pneumonia. Early detection of dysphagia and specifically aspiration is, therefore, critical in the prevention of pneumonia. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a safe bedside instrumental tool for detecting dysphagia and aspiration and, therefore, has the potential to inform dysphagia management. This study investigated the clinical utility of a speech–language pathologist-led FEES service on functional outcomes for patients after acute stroke.MethodsA retrospective file audit was carried out on 220 patients before FEES was introduced and on 220 patients after the implementation of a speech–language pathologist-led FEES service. The primary outcome measure was incidence of pneumonia, and secondary outcome measures included mortality, diet on discharge, discharge destination, duration nil-by-mouth, incidence of nonoral feeding, and length of stay.ResultsThere was a significant increase in instrumental assessment use in the group that had access to FEES (P < .001). There was a significant reduction of pneumonia rates in the group that had access to FEES (P = .037). Patients were also significantly more likely to leave hospital on standard diets (P = .004) but had longer periods of nonoral feeding (P = .013) and increased length of hospitalization (P < .001).ConclusionWhen used selectively, FEES services have potential for improving functional outcomes for patients after stroke.