Effect of Oral Care Intervention and Safe-Swallowing Education on Dysphagia among ICU Patients Post Endotracheal Extubation

Background: Post Extubation Dysphagia (PED) can potentially cause life-threatening consequences, early detection of PED is essential to reduce complications. Understanding the treatment modalities of PED is essential to minimize complications and improve quality of treatment. Oral care intervention and safe-swallowing education are valuable to improve and prevent dysphagia in vulnerable patients’ post-extubation. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of oral care intervention and safe-swallowing education on dysphagia among ICU patients post endotracheal extubation. Subjects and Method: Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting; Medical intensive care units (ICUs) in Emergency hospital affiliated to Tanta University hospitals. Sample: A purposive sample of 40 adult patients, who underwent emergency oral endotracheal intubation for at least 48 hours. Tool 1: Bio socio-demographic data questionnaire; Tool 2: Modified Standardized Swallow Assessment (MSSA). Data was collected through three phases; assessment, implementation and evaluation through 10 months. Results: there is a dramatic improvement in in MSSA score and in the satisfactory level of MSSA post intervention in the study group which are highly statistically significant, compared to a slight gradual improvement in MSSA score post intervention in addition; there are no significant differences in the satisfactory level of MSSA scores throughout the study period in the control group. Conclusion: oral care intervention along with safe-swallowing education for the patients and their family care giver reduces dysphagia of ICU patients post endotracheal extubation. Recommendation: Nurses can play an important role in reducing dysphagia among ICU patients post endotracheal extubation by include the oral care intervention and safe-swallowing education in the daily routine care provided for patients post endotracheal intubation.