The Goldilocks Effect Of Hydration For Patients In A Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Setting: Too Warm, Too Cold Or Simply Not Nice

Abstract Background Older adults are considered at risk of becoming dehydrated. Risk of dehydration is increased during a hospital stay. Offering a range of preferred drinks frequently during the day can improve total fluid intake and minimise the risk of low intake dehydration. A survey of patient access to and consumption of water on an inpatient ward for older adult rehabilitation was undertaken. Methods A point prevalence survey was conducted on each patient on an inpatient ward for the following six situations: Results All inpatients (n=26, 15 female and 11 male) completed the survey for each of the six situations. 85% of patients surveyed had access to water (n=22). 85% of patients (n=22) surveyed were able to reach the water and 85% (n=22) could pour the water independently. 15% of patients surveyed (n=4) required assistance to drink (modified consistency (n=2) or physical assistance (n=2). Only 35% of patients (n=9) reported drinking the available water. Of the 17 patients who reported not drinking the water accessible to them, 59% (n=10) reported the water was too warm and 29% of patients (n=5) reported the water didn’t taste nice. Conclusion Low intake dehydration is associated with adverse outcomes in older adults. The root causes of low fluid intake need to be established in order to minimise the risk of dehydration during a period of hospitalisation. Further research is required to establish the root causes of low intake dehydration and development of quality improvement initiatives to minimise low intake dehydration in a hospital setting.