Speech language pathology consultations and medical outcomes for patients with aspiration pneumonia

Date

2022

Authors

Bolinger, Christopher
Dembowski, James

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development

Abstract

A retrospective study of 811 hospital records examined the relationship of SLP consultations for dysphagia to medical outcomes in aspiration pneumonia patients in an acute care setting. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were consulted on two-thirds of the total aspiration pneumonia patients. Results showed significant differences between patients who received SLP consultations and those who did not in length of stay, mortality, and morbidity. Speech-language pathology was consulted more as pneumonia severity increased. This likely accounted for the relationship between the length of stay and SLP consultations. When SLPs were consulted, more patients were discharged for further rehabilitation. When SLPs were not consulted, more patients expired. More males and geriatric patients were seen than females and non-geriatric adults, respectively. Results may be used to address local hospital policies and protocols and thus increase the quality of care by improving morbidity and mortality outcomes of aspiration pneumonia patients.

Description

Article originally published by Journal of Medical and Health Studies, 3(3), 45–58. Published online 2022. https://doi.org/10.32996/jmhs.2022.3.3.8

Keywords

Swallow, Dysphagia, Pneumonia, Speech-language pathology

Citation

This is the published version of an article that is available at https://doi.org/10.32996/jmhs.2022.3.3.8. Recommended citation: Bolinger, C., & Dembowski, J. (2022). Speech language pathology consultations and medical outcomes for patients with aspiration pneumonia. Journal of Medical and Health Studies, 3(3), 45–58. This item has been deposited in accordance with publisher copyright and licensing terms and with the author’s permission.