A survey of thickened fluid prescribing and monitoring practices of Australian health professionals

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dc.contributor.authorMurray, J.
dc.contributor.authorDoeltgen, S.
dc.contributor.authorMiller, M.
dc.contributor.authorScholten, I.
dc.date.issued2014
dc.description.abstractRATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe (1) how thickened fluids are supplied to clients with dysphagia; (2) how clients' consumption of thickened fluids and hydration status is monitored; and (3) the impact of institutional factors on thickened fluid intake and hydration in Australian health care settings. METHODS: Speech pathologists, dietitians and nurses working in Australian health care settings were asked to voluntarily participate in an online survey that was advertised through their respective professional associations. The questions required a self-report of their practice with respect to thickened fluids. RESULTS: Few health care facilities (17%) monitored thickened fluid consumption routinely even though, in the opinion of 51% the respondents, clients on thickened fluids at their facility do not drink enough. Palatability of the thickened fluid products and patients' dependence on others for drinking were thought to have a major impact on fluid intake. Respondents also highlighted institutional factors such as inadequate assistance from staff and inconsistent systems for monitoring fluid intake and signs of dehydration. The most common way to address inadequate intake was for nurses to 'push fluids' (87%). Free water protocols were used only 14% of the time and setting small oral fluid targets throughout the day was the least common strategy (11%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for Australian health care facilities to educate all clinical staff about the risks of dehydration and develop clinical pathways for clients with dysphagia, which include routine monitoring of oral fluid consumption and dehydration and timely intervention.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityJo Murray, Sebastian Doeltgen, Michelle Miller, Ingrid Scholten
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 2014; 20(5):596-600
dc.identifier.doi10.1111/jep.12154
dc.identifier.issn1365-2753
dc.identifier.issn1365-2753
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/96765
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherWiley
dc.rights© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1111/jep.12154
dc.subjectData collection; deglutition disorders; dehydration; drinking; fluid balance; thickened liquids
dc.titleA survey of thickened fluid prescribing and monitoring practices of Australian health professionals
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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