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RECRUITING
NCT06309602
NA

Investigation of a Free Water Protocol

Sponsor: Poudre Valley Health System

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

Hypothesis: Use of a Free Water Protocol (FWP) will improve patient satisfaction scores (Dysphagia Handicap Index), will not increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia/pneumonitis, and will result in improved oral hygiene (as assessed by the Oral Assessment Guide). Aim: To demonstrate that improvement in patient satisfaction and quality of life scores outweighs the potential risks of aspiration of plain water in an acute care setting; to qualitatively assess the implementation of a Free Water Protocol from the viewpoints of the patient and family/caregivers; to quantify changes in oral hygiene practices for individuals on the Free Water Protocol.

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

18 Years - Any

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

136

Start Date

2024-10-22

Completion Date

2028-01-01

Last Updated

2025-06-05

Healthy Volunteers

No

Interventions

OTHER

Free Water Protocol

Intake of plain, un-thickened water is allowed even when a patient has orders for thickened liquids. Risks of pulmonary complications are decreased with use of a strict oral care regimen and timed intake of water related to meals. Patient satisfaction and comfort is increased with ingestion of plain water.

OTHER

Control / Standard Care

Standard care will be given to patients with orders for thickened liquids. This will include oral care twice a day and implementation of swallowing strategies and precautions as prescribed by the treating speech-language pathologist. Only fluids thickened to the recommended viscosity will be available to the patient.

Locations (2)

Medical Center of the Rockies

Loveland, Colorado, United States

Medical Center of the Rockies

Loveland, Colorado, United States