Objectives: To investigate the impact of a non-alcoholic drinks trolley (NADT) on oral fluid intake in older adults with dysphagia (IWD) admitted to hospital who are pre- scribed modified viscosity drinks and to explore the patient and nursing staff awareness of the trolley.
Methods: A NADT was implemented on an acute geriatric ward in a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, and compared to a control ward. Fluid intake was collected by visually assessing and recording volume of fluid delivered and consumed (mL) immediately after the meal for patients prescribed modified viscosity drinks and descriptively analysed and compared between groups. Patients and nursing staff were surveyed regarding their awareness and impact of the NADT.
Results: Data were available for 19 patients (n = 9 in control group, 4 female, 5 male; n = 10 in intervention group, 4 female, 6 male). The average age of participants was 86.9 years (range 72-101). 100% of patients had cognitive impairment. The intervention group had higher fluid intake compared to the control group 932 mL (SD 500) vs 351 mL (166) (p=0.004). Twenty-four patients and 17 nursing staff participated in the survey identifying the trolley as a positive intervention. Males drank more than females 1322 mL (112) vs 546 mL (54) (p<0.001) in the intervention group.
Conclusion: This study suggests a drinks trolley may be a novel approach to promote good hydration practices and awareness amongst staff while improving overall fluid intake in the hospitalised older adult with dysphagia.