Table 1 Methods, criteria for interpretation, and intervention guidance of WST

Level I

Patients can swallow the water in one gulp and without choking or coughing in 5 s

Negative

Can eat through mouth safely and effectively

Level II

Patients can swallow the water in two or more gulps without choking or coughing in 5 s

Positive

Can eat through mouth with dietary guidance

Level III

Patients can swallow the water in one gulp but with coughing or choking

Positive

Indicators of tube feeding

Level IV

Patients can swallow the water in two or more gulps with coughing or choking

Level V

Patients cannot swallow 30 mL of water with frequent coughing or choking