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Investigation of a Free Water Protocol
Sponsor: Poudre Valley Health System
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
Conditions
Interventions
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.
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