A quick and simple screening test for swallowing difficulties can be useful in the initial evaluation of patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia.
The checklist consists of 28 items, 8 of which are observed while the person eats or drinks.
checklist score =
= number of questions with "yes" answers
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 28
• The presence of one or more (score >=1) findings indicates that a more in-depth physiologic evaluation is necessary.
