Run Clinical Swallow Evaluation (Bedside Dysphagia Assessment) — Free

Assessment Context and Readiness

Patient identity and evaluation reason documented

Record the patient identifier, referral reason, and clinical indication for the bedside swallow evaluation.

Alertness and participation adequate for bedside assessment critical (required)

Patient is sufficiently alert, cooperative, and able to follow commands for valid swallow trials.

Yes No N/A

Positioning at least 90 degrees upright critical (required)

Patient positioned upright and stable for oral intake trials.

Yes No N/A

Current diet status and NPO status documented

Document current diet order or NPO status before trials.

Note (optional)

Oral Motor and Structural Exam

Labial seal and symmetry observed

Assess lip closure, symmetry, and ability to maintain anterior oral containment.

Lingual range of motion and coordination observed

Assess tongue protrusion, lateralization, elevation, and coordination.

Jaw opening, strength, and control observed

Assess mandibular control and ability to open/close for bolus acceptance and mastication.

Oral cavity, dentition, and secretion management documented

Document dentition, mucosal condition, oral hygiene, and ability to manage secretions at baseline.

Swallow Trials by Consistency

Thin liquid trial completed critical (required)

Document whether thin liquid trials were administered and tolerated.

Yes No N/A

Note (optional)

Thin liquid findings documented

Record bolus size, number of trials, oral containment, swallow timing, and any coughing, throat clearing, wet vocal quality, or multiple swallows.

Nectar/mildly thick liquid trial completed

Document whether nectar/mildly thick liquid trials were administered and tolerated.

Yes No N/A

Puree trial completed

Document whether puree trials were administered and tolerated.

Yes No N/A

Soft solid or regular solid trial completed

Document whether solid food trials were administered and tolerated, when clinically appropriate.

Yes No N/A

Aspiration Signs and Airway Protection

Coughing or throat clearing during or after swallow critical (required)

Observe for overt signs of airway invasion during or after trials.

Yes No N/A

Wet or gurgly vocal quality after swallow critical (required)

Assess for change in vocal quality suggestive of residue or aspiration.

Yes No N/A

Respiratory change or increased work of breathing observed critical (required)

Document tachypnea, desaturation, wheeze, distress, or other respiratory compromise associated with trials.

Yes No N/A

Multiple swallows, oral residue, or suspected pharyngeal residue documented

Describe residue patterns, need for repeat swallows, and any compensatory responses observed.

Clinical Impression and Recommendations

Clinical impression of swallow safety documented critical (required)

Summarize bedside findings and overall clinical impression.

Note (optional)

Diet and liquid recommendation documented critical (required)

Document recommended diet level, liquid consistency, and any supervision or feeding assistance needs.

Compensatory strategies or precautions documented

Document strategies such as small sips, slow rate, alternate solids/liquids, upright posture, or oral care recommendations.

Instrumental assessment recommended when indicated critical (required)

Indicate whether VFSS/MBSS, FEES, or no instrumental study is recommended based on bedside findings.

Note (optional)

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Run: Clinical Swallow Evaluation (Bedside Dysphagia Assessment)

Assessment Context and Readiness

Oral Motor and Structural Exam

Swallow Trials by Consistency

Aspiration Signs and Airway Protection

Clinical Impression and Recommendations

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