Objective To investigate the application effect of evidence-based practice in preventing silent aspiration in elderly hospitalized patients.

Methods A total of 70 nurses and elderly patients aged ≥65 years old in the geriatric department were selected as the subjects of evidence-based practice. A total of 704 patients assessed before the application of evidence (November 2021 to April 2022) were included in baseline review group, and 744 patients assessed after the application of evidence (May 2022 to October 2022) were included in evidence application group. After the application of evidence, the nurses′ performance of relevant audit indicators and the incidence of silent aspiration in both groups were evaluated.

Results After the application of evidence, the nurses′ performance rates of 11 audit indicators for reducing incidence of silent aspiration were higher than those before the application; the incidence of silent aspiration among patients decreased significantly from 12.5% before the application of evidence to 7.8% after the application (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The quality audit project based on evidence is conducive to standardizing nurses′ nursing behaviors for preventing silent aspiration. The implementation of evidence-based practice to reduce the incidence of silent aspiration in elderly hospitalized patients is beneficial to reduce the occurrence of adverse events.