Abstract: Objective To search and summarize the best evidence for improving cough ability in elderly patients with post-stroke cough dysfunction, so as to provide reference for clinical practice. Methods Based on the 5S evidence model, a systematic search was conducted in domestic and international databases for clinical practices, guidelines, expert consensuses, evidence summaries, and systematic reviews related to improving coughing ability in elderly patients with post-stroke cough dysfunction. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the literature, with four researchers evaluating the guidelines. Evidence was extracted, summarized, and consolidated according to the themes. Results A total of 14 articles were included, including 4 clinical decision practices, 7 guidelines, and 3 expert consensuses. After evaluation and integration, 22 best pieces of evidence were formed from seven aspects: multidisciplinary teams, cough ability assessment, rehabilitation intervention measures, drug management, nutritional management, aspiration prevention, and traditional Chinese medicine intervention. Conclusions This study summarizes the best evidence for improving cough ability in elderly patients with post-stroke cough dysfunction, and provides an important reference for clinical medical staff to formulate and implement intervention measures.

Key words: aged, stroke, cough ability, cough dysfunction, evidence-based nursing, evidence summary