Management of dysphagia in thrombolysed stroke patients: Development of a preliminary clinical practice protocol

Abstract

The use of thrombolysis in specified patient presentations is supported in the acute phase following ischaemic stroke by stroke clinical guidelines. However, thrombolysis is associated with a number of complications and risks. Further, thrombolysis protocol violations have been associated with increased patient mortality. Although the risks associated with thrombolysis and non-compliance with protocols are recognised, a review of literature and benchmarking suggested that no specific protocols existed to guide speech pathologists through dysphagia management during the critical time period directly postthrombolysis. As a result, Logan Hospital Speech Pathology Department sought to develop an evidence-based clinical practice protocol to standardise dysphagia service delivery and limit patient and staff risk. This paper presents a review of literature in this area and details regarding the development of The Logan Hospital Dysphagia Clinical Protocol for Thrombolysed Patients.