Oral trials recommendations
There was a wide variety of types of oral trials offered, with a range
of consistency, quantity and frequency of diet or fluid trials being
recommended (see table 4). Two patients were receiving SLT-led oral
trials. In all other cases it was not specified who should supervise
oral trials. The reasons for oral trials and whether risks of aspiration
were accepted for trials were not usually documented. Within the group
of individuals on oral trials, 11 individuals were on limited amounts of
oral intake alongside non-oral feeding and a further two individuals
were on oral trials of increased texture diet (regular or easy to chew
trials) alongside full amounts of modified diet. Of individuals who had
been on oral trials previously during admission, 9/10 had trials
discontinued due to improvements in swallowing and they were managing
full amounts orally. Trials were discontinued for the remaining patient,
who had returned to be nil by mouth due to a deterioration in their
swallow.