Speech Language Pathology Consultations and Medical Outcomes for Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32996/jmhs.2022.3.3.8

Keywords:

swallow, dysphagia, pneumonia, speech-language pathology

Abstract

A retrospective study of 811 hospital records examined the relationship of SLP consultations for dysphagia to medical outcomes in aspiration pneumonia patients in an acute care setting. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were consulted on two-thirds of the total aspiration pneumonia patients. Results showed significant differences between patients who received SLP consultations and those who did not in length of stay, mortality, and morbidity. Speech-language pathology was consulted more as pneumonia severity increased.  This likely accounted for the relationship between the length of stay and SLP consultations.  When SLPs were consulted, more patients were discharged for further rehabilitation.  When SLPs were not consulted, more patients expired.  More males and geriatric patients were seen than females and non-geriatric adults, respectively.  Results may be used to address local hospital policies and protocols and thus increase the quality of care by improving morbidity and mortality outcomes of aspiration pneumonia patients.

Author Biography

  • Christopher Bolinger, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX

    Dr. Bolinger is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at TWU. He has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the university level since 2017 primarily in the areas of introduction to communication disorders and dysphagia. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Bolinger was an acute-care speech-language pathologist specializing in evaluation and treatment of neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders in the acute-care/trauma environment. During his time as an acute-care SLP, he has gained expertise in neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric care. Dr. Bolinger has presented his research at the local, state, national, and international level. His current line of research is in the area of dysphagia and special populations. Dr. Bolinger is also interested in further assessing linguistic versus motoric speech/language difficulties in children with neurological-based impairments (e.g., fetal alcohol syndrome).

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Published

2022-08-21

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Bolinger, C., & Dembowski, J. (2022). Speech Language Pathology Consultations and Medical Outcomes for Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia. Journal of Medical and Health Studies, 3(3), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.32996/jmhs.2022.3.3.8