[Dysphagia] Protocol for free water policy

[swlslp at yahoo.com (Sandi Lancaster)]

Hi all,
   
  I know that the free water policy is a topic that comes up frequently on this listserve, but when I searched the dysphagia archives I wasn't able to find what I'm looking for, so I'm hoping someone can help.
   
  I work at a rehab hospital and we are in the information-gathering stage for implementing a free water policy.  Our team of SLPs met this morning and we have identified some questions/needs that we have in order to successfully implement a free water policy.
   
  For anyone who has successfully implemented a free water program, do you have any guidelines/ written materials you can share regarding:
   
  1.  Guidelines and/or a screening form for which patients can best be considered candidates for free water (and who should be excluded)
  2. Educational materials for patients and caregivers on how to safely/successfully implement free water at home 
  3.  Training materials for nursing staff/materials to ensure competancy with the protocol, including oral hygiene protocols
  4.  Any other information that would be useful
   
  We would be very grateful to anyone who is willing to share their experiences and/or written materials. 
   
  Thanks!
   
  -Sandi
   
   


Sandi Lancaster, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland
 
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