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. 2022 Jan 14;36(2):262–268. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2022.01.001

Table 1.

Swallowing endpoints (duration reported in days from ICU admission).

Endpoint Definition
DSPA Duration to initial speech pathology assessment (telehealth/face-to-face)
DFSPA Duration to face-to-face speech pathology assessment
Dysphagia presence & severity on CSE Presence coded as dichotomous rating yes/no. Functional Oral Intake Scale: The FOIS is a 7-point scale where 1 = nothing by mouth and 7 = total oral diet with no restriction. (severe<4, moderate = 5, mild = 6, none = 7)
Dysphagia presence & severity on Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) if conducted Presence coded as dichotomous rating yes/no. Severity coded as follows:
  • a.

    Worst Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) rating (food and fluid)

  • The Penetration–Aspiration Scale is an 8-point scale which describes the degree of food/fluid airway invasion and airway response, where 1 = no laryngeal penetration/aspiration and 8 = aspiration below the level of the vocal folds with nil airway response

  • b.

    Worst Bolus Residue Scale (BRS) rating (fluid and food)

  • The Bolus Residue Scale is a 6-point scale which describes the degree of postswallow pharyngeal residue, where 1 = no residue and 6 = residue in the valleculae and posterior pharyngeal wall and piriform sinus
VFSS postponed or not completed due to COVID-19–specific considerations Dichotomous rating yes/no, qualified by rationale for delay coded as follows:
  • a.

    Indicated but not completed due to COVID considerations

  • b.

    Indicated but postponed/delayed

  • c.

    Indicated and conducted in expected time frame

  • d.

    Instrumental assessment not indicated
DCDR Duration to commencing dysphagia rehabilitation
Dysphagia rehabilitation defined as active therapeutic exercises beyond compensation with a targeted physiological outcome.
DIOF Duration to initiate oral feeding
DROD Duration to resolution of dysphagia
Persistent dysphagia after discharge Patient discharged prior to treatment completion or dysphagia is considered permanent: Dichotomous rating yes/no
DOEF Duration of enteral feeding
Persistent enteral feeding after discharge Patient discharged prior to cessation of enteral feeding or enteral feeding is permanent: dichotomous rating yes/no
Speech pathology involvement in trachea weaning/decannulation Dichotomous rating yes/no:
  • a.

    Cuff deflation

  • b.

    Speaking valve

CSE, clinical swallowing examination.