Improving hydration among hospitalised older adults in an acute geriatric ward with a bundled multi-component intervention.

Abstract

Dehydration compromises patient safety. Hospitalised frail older adults are at risk of dehydration, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. However, current clinical practice workflows do not adequately address the issue of poor oral hydration. This study aims to analyse this problem and test solutions to increase the percentage of hospitalised older adults who consume at least 1 L of oral fluid per day from 15% to 60% in an acute geriatric ward over 3 months. A work group was formed to conduct this service improvement project. Extensive literature was searched and reviewed, brainstorming of workflow gaps along with discussions was carried out, and strategic solutions were developed. A series of implementations was carried out sequentially and cumulatively to target vital root causes. The implementations include the introduction of a bedside hydration flip chart, individualised fluid schedule chart, hydration rounds, posters to create a visual workplace and regular in-service talks for healthcare staff. The number of patients who met the minimum fluid intake was collected daily over 4 months to monitor for intervention success and sustainability. Implementing a bundled multi-component intervention increased the percentage of older adults who meet the minimum oral fluid intake of 1 L/day by 45%, making it a needful part in the management of geriatric inpatients to prevent dehydration.