Abstract Body: Background and Purpose
Pneumonia remains a common complication of stroke. A formal dysphagia screening is the first line of defense for these patients. This community Primary Stroke Center (PSC) identified the need to improve swallow screen compliance both at the hospital and in the county at large. Internal data review revealed that, over a one-year period, the administration of aspirin accounted for 62% of all swallow screen fallouts. This project was developed to increase compliance with the swallow screen protocol for all patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke at one community hospital.
Methods
Alliteration is well-documented as a useful tool for recall and memory in the psychological literature. The stroke team wanted to assess if promoting the alliterative association between “aspirin” and “aspiration” could improve swallow screen compliance. This was done via a three-pronged approach. A reminder was placed on to the Pyxis cubie for aspirin that read, “Aspirin & Stroke Patients: Think Aspiration! Please complete your swallow screen.” The association was socialized via flyers and huddles. A stroke committee was formed, and stroke committee nurses reviewed this new project with their colleagues. Data was collected retroactively for 19 months; 12 months prior to the intervention and 7 months after.
Results
Swallow screen compliance improved from 79% prior to the intervention to 90% after the intervention.
Aspirin administration accounted for 62% of all fallouts prior to the intervention. This decreased to 33% after the intervention.
Conclusions
Prevention of pneumonia is key to the clinical and financial success of an institution. This simple cognitive cue had an outsized impact on swallow screen compliance and the downstream improvements in patient care and expenditure. The success of this project underscores the importance of looking outside of nursing for inspiration and guidance.