Article
A Free Water Protocol in Inpatient Rehabilitation : Feasibility and Care Outcomes
| e-ISSN | 2671-4450 |
| p-ISSN | 1226-0134 |
| Received | 2020-01-31 |
| Accepted | 2020-03-11 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.14519/kjot.2020.28.2.12 |
| Metrics | Views 0 / Downloads 0 |
Abstract
Objectives: Free Water Protocols (FWPs) are implemented selectively because of mixed evidence on the benefits associated with their use. This retrospective study examines the implementation a long-standing clinical program and descriptively reports rehabilitation and quality care outcomes. Methods: Data were collected over 6 years (n = 575). Inpatient rehabilitation setting. Variables included in this study were age, medical diagnoses, rate of acute care hospital transfers, discharge destinations, length of time on FWP. Results: Cohort consisted of older adults (M = 68.43, SD = 15.11), with diagnosis of stroke (60.2%), brain injury (19.1%), spinal cord injury (7.3%), cardiac (1%), orthopedics (5%), other (13.1%). Acute care hospital transfers occurred in 6% as descriptively compared to national average (14%). Additionally, participants tolerated FWP for days (M = 14.1, SD = 14.4) and most went home following rehabilitation Discussion: This retrospective study concludes the feasibility of implementing a FWP in a rehabilitation facility and reports descriptive outcomes. Experimental research is required for conclusions to be made regarding effectiveness of the FWP for dysphagia.