Nutrition management among stroke patients with dysphagia in a department of neurology in China: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION

Dysphagia is a common complication in stroke patients. The condition can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, and can result in death. An evidence-based nutrition management program should be provided to reduce the mortality rate due to malnutrition in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES

This project aimed to improve nutrition management in stroke patients through the implementation of evidence-based practices.

METHODS

This project was conducted in the Department of Neurology at a general tertiary hospital in Guangxi, China. The project team used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit and feedback process. Nine audit criteria were developed based on best practice recommendations. Data were collected and analyzed using JBI's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES), while JBI's Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) approach was used to identify barriers to best practices. A follow-up audit measured changes in compliance with best practices.

RESULTS

The baseline audit revealed moderate compliance for most audit criteria, but 0% compliance for three criteria. After identifying barriers and developing strategies to enhance compliance, the follow-up audit showed significantly improved results, with the exception of Criterion 6.

CONCLUSIONS

This project improved compliance with the evidence-based best practices for nutrition management in stroke patients, thereby enhancing nutrition management in the neurology department.

SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A424.