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.