Abstract
Introduction: Most stroke patients fail the swallowing assessment, hence the need to have NGT. Sometimes, it is impossible to get an aspirate from these NGTs, other times, the pH of the aspirate is quite high. As such times, to confirm NGT position, in line with the National patient safety agency an Xray is used. Recently, incidents in the trust (UHCW) have been documented regarding NGT Xray interpretation, thus the need to undertake this audit
Methods: Patients (n=15) who had NGT in the stroke ward (24th March to 20th June,2022) were reviewed against University of Coventry and Warwickshire Trust guidelines. The following were assessed: date and time Xray was requested, how it was interpreted, clear instructions regarding action, interpreter’s grade and use of NGT stickers. Data was analysed using percentages and illustrated with bar charts. These were compared with data from the first audit.
Results: The adherence to the assessed variables (date and time Xray was requested, how it was interpreted, clear instructions regarding action, interpreter’s grade and use of NGT stickers) were 77%, 46%, 73%,70% and 40% accordingly.
Conclusion: There was an improvement in documentation of date and time of requested Xray a well use of NG Tube stickers by doctors in the stroke ward, this is in contrast to documentation of the 4 point check and clear plan instructions.