TABLE 3.

Trajectory of swallow and voice outcomes from initial assessment to SLT discharge (median timeframe 36.4 days; IQR 26–53 days)

Oral intake status (Functional oral intake scale)	Initial SLT assessment (n = 100)	Discharge (n = 95)
1: Tube dependent. Nothing by mouth.	36	4
2: Tube dependent with minimal attempts at food or liquid.	14	0
3: Tube dependent with consistent oral intake of food or liquid.	9	0
4: Total oral diet of a single consistency	2	0
5: Total oral diet with multiple consistencies, but requiring special preparation or compensations.	25	10
6: Total oral diet with multiple consistencies without special preparation, but with specific food limitations.	4	8
7: Total oral diet with no restrictions	10	73
Median (IQR)	2.5 (1–5)	7 (7–7)
Z score (p value)	−7.322 (p = .000)

Fluid consistency (IDDSI fluid consistencies)	Initial SLT assessment (n = 100)	Discharge (n = 91)
0: Thin fluid	43	85
1: Slightly thick fluid	12	5
2: Mildly thick fluid	11	1
3: Moderately thick fluid	1	‐
4: Extremely thick fluid	3	‐
5: No fluids	30	‐
Median (IQR)	1 (0–5)	0 (0–0)
Z score (p value)	−6.023 (p = .000)

Food consistency (IDDSI food consistencies)	Initial SLT assessment (n = 100)	Discharge (n = 91)
4: Puree	21	2
5: Minced and moist	15	1
6: Soft & bite sized	12	9
7: Regular	12	78
0: (none)	40	1
Median (IQR)	4 (0–5)	7 (7–7)
Z score (p value)	−8.976 (p = .000)

Voice quality (GRBAS‐ G)	Initial SLT assessment (n = 99)	Discharge (n = 83)
0: No abnormality detected	34	63
1: Mild	31	12
2: Moderate	20	7
3: Severe	14	1
Median (IQR)	1 (0–2)	0 (0–0)
Z score (p value)	−5.619 (p = .000)