Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 1995
Swallow management in patients on an acute stroke pathway: quality is cost effective.
To assess the effects of swallowing management in patients with acute nonhemorrhagic stroke placed on a clinical pathway, and to evaluate whether swallow function on admission can be used as a predictor of length of stay (LOS) and outcome disposition. ⋯ This study demonstrates that early swallow screening and dysphagia management in patients with acute stroke reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia, is cost effective, and assures quality care with optimal outcome.