Can use of the Hydrant improve the hydration status and clinical

outcomes of patients in the Acute and Community settings?

Debbie Sutton-Project Manager NNM

Background

• Sports style drinking bottle.

• Adapted for use by immobile patients.

• Promotes independent drinking.

• Avoids complications associated with poor hydration.

Project Design

• Patient acceptability.– questionnaire

• Ease of use for staff.– questionnaire

• Test claims that hydration levels improved.– Simple data sheet

• Test claims that HAI and LOS reduced.– Use Hospital Episode Statistics

Eligible patients

• Too weak to lift or pour drinks.

• Immobile due to surgery or trauma.

• Requiring iv or sc fluids.NOT• Poor swallow• Reduced mental

capacity.

Implementation

• Acute hospitals across South Central Region.– Introductory meetings– Identifying on site individual– Deliver bottles and send data collection sheets– Agree patient numbers

• Community and Hospice by word of mouth.• Follow up visit or post back data.

Patient Questionnaire Results

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

Is easy to drink from Help me drinkwithout assistance

Is an effectivealternative to other

drinking methods

Is easy tounderstand

Should be availableto all patients

Helped me drinkmore

Is preferable to atumbler

Staff Questionnaire Results

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

patients to drink safelyand independently

Is an effectivealternative to a jug and

cup

Is easy to explain topatients

Is easy to set up Is easy to maintain Encourages patients toDrink more

Responses

It was very easy to set up and to explain how it

worked.

It’s a young person’s thing,

isn’t it dear.

It really helped me feel more

independent

Conclusion

• Hydrant appears useful for selected patients.

• Helpful adjunct to ward equipment.

• Not widely acceptable to patients or staff on wards caring for elderly people,