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

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