A Free Water Protocol in Inpatient Rehabilitation: Feasibility and Care Outcomes

• Published in: Journal of Korean Society of Occupational Therapy Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 157 - 164
• Main Authors: Scibilia, Stephanie, Barrett, A.M., Piscopo, Christina, Adler, Uri, Hong, Ickpyo, Hreha, Kimberly
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 대한작업치료학회 30.06.2020
• Subjects: 작업치료학
• ISSN: 1226-0134; 2671-4450
• DOI: 10.14519/kjot.2020.28.2.12

Objectives: Free Water Protocols (FWPs) are implemented selectively because of mixed evidence on the benefitsassociated with their use. This retrospective study examines the implementation a long-standing clinicalprogram and descriptively reports rehabilitation and quality care outcomes. Methods: Data were collected over 6 years (n = 575). Inpatient rehabilitation setting. Variables included in thisstudy were age, medical diagnoses, rate of acute care hospital transfers, discharge destinations, length of timeon 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 transfersoccurred in 6% as descriptively compared to national average (14%). Additionally, participants tolerated FWP fordays (M = 14.1, SD = 14.4) and most went home following rehabilitationDiscussion: This retrospective study concludes the feasibility of implementing a FWP in a rehabilitation facility andreports descriptive outcomes. Experimental research is required for conclusions to be made regardingeffectiveness of the FWP for dysphagia. KCI Citation Count: 0