Diagnostic accuracy of the Dysphagia Trained Nurse Assessment tool in acute stroke

Background and purpose Comprehensive swallow screening assessments to identify dysphagia make early eating drinking recommendations can be used by trained nurses. This study aimed validate the Dysphagia Trained Nurse Assessment (DTNAx) tool in acute stroke patients. Methods Participants with diagnosed were prospectively consecutively recruited from an unit. Following a baseline DTNAx on admission, participants underwent speech language therapist (SLT) bedside assessment of swallowing (speech [SLTAx]), videofluoroscopy (VFS) further same or different nurse. Results Forty-seven recruited, whom 22 had dysphagia. Compared SLTAx identification dysphagia, sensitivity 96.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83.8–99.9) specificity 89.5% CI 75.2–97.1). VFS aspiration, 77.8% 40.0–97.2) 81.6% 65.7–92.3). Over 81% diet fluid made nurses absolute agreement compared SLTAx. Both low diagnostic accuracy VFS-based definition Conclusions Nurses showed good identifying aspiration VFS. They appropriate line SLTs management