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The Effect of Swallowing Screening and Prevention Protocols
on Reducing Non-Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in
Hospitalized Adults
Ramita Anakepeerasak1, Panyavee Pitisuttithum2,3, Jarongkorn Sirimongkolkasem3,4
,
Pakkapon Rattanachaisit3,5, Tanisa Patcharatrakul3,6, Sutep Gonlachanvit3,6*
1 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn
Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society
2 Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society
3 Center of Excellence in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
4 Division of Perioperative and Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society
5 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
6 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society
*Corresponding Author E-mail: gsutep@hotmail.com
Background: Abstract
Dysphagia is a significant but often overlooked risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. We
aim to evaluate the impact of dysphagia screening and the effectiveness of aspiration
pneumonia prevention protocols in hospitalized patients.
Methods: Patients admitted to internal medicine with oral intake were enrolled, excluding those with
unstable vitals, impaired consciousness, recent stroke, oropharyngeal surgery/radiation,
or endotracheal/tracheostomy status. High-risk patients (SDQ≥3.5 and/or abnormal WST)
received prevention protocols including oral hygiene, elevated head positioning, PPI
review, and OT consultation. Patients with abnormal WST received diet modifications.
NvHAP occurrence and mortality were assessed during admission and at 1 and 3 months
post-discharge.
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