Dysphagia: a screening tool for stroke patients.

Initiating safe oral nutrition and hydration immediately following stroke had become a critical concern for health care professionals at our facility. The Examine Ability to Swallow (EATS) dysphagia screening protocol, administered by nurses, was developed to solve this clinical dilemma. The dysphagia screening process for the acute stroke patient has successfully met the facilities' needs and more importantly has increased patients' satisfaction. No formal data were collected. This proactive approach is beneficial to the patient's physiological status as a means of preventing adverse complications; which impacts the recovery time frame for the patient. In addition it promotes the emotional well being of patients, and is economically prudent. This is an asset in today's healthcare environment.