Presence, Severity and Trajectory of Swallowing and Voice Outcomes Post-Extubation
Median time between extubation and initial SLT evaluation was 4 days (IQR 2-11 days). Ninety percent (n=90) of patients presented with dysphagia (FOIS Level 1-6) at initial SLT assessment with 36% unable to take any nutrition orally (FOIS Level 1) (Table 3). Median FOIS score at initial SLT assessment was 2.5 (SD 2.139; range 1-7) (n=100). IDDSI fluid and food consistency findings are detailed in Table 3. A significant negative correlation was observed between oral intake status at initial SLT assessment as rated by the FOIS and ICULOS (r=-.227; p=0.028) and also between oral intake status and hospital LOS, indicating that the lower the FOIS score, the longer the LOS (r=-.363; p=0.000).
Two-thirds (66%; n=99) of participants presented with post-extubation dysphonia (GRBAS 1/+) with 14% in severe (rating 3) category (Table 3). A weak positive association was detected between GRBAS rating and LOS (r=.235; p=022), indicating that the higher the GRBAS score (poor vocal quality), the longer the hospital LOS. Voice quality was not associated with ICULOS (r=.084; p=0.428).
Oral intake status (median FOIS score) altered significantly from initial SLT assessment (FOIS score 2.5) to time of SLT discharge (median FOIS score 7) (z=-7.322; p=0.000). A significant change was also observed in IDDSI fluid (z=-6.023; p=0.000) and food (z=-7.52; p=0.000) consistencies within the participant group from initial assessment to discharge (Table 3).