Aspiration

"The intent of this initiative is assessment and prevention, as opposed to taking a punitive approach, by assisting provider agencies in recognizing and managing aspiration risk."

Aspiration is the process by which gastric or oral contents enter the laryngeal of lower sections of the tracheo-bronchial tree, causing cough, wheezing, intermittent dehydration, atelectasis and potential respiratory failure and death.

Please see the documents below for more information about this initiative and developed screening tools.

• Aspiration Clinical Team Letter to Providers 7-31-08
• G-Tube Screening Tool 1-16-09
• Oral Feed Screen 1-12-09