Abstract Introduction Dehydration is associated with prolonged hospital admissions and complications. Elderly patients are more susceptible due to physiology, dexterity and cognition. The British Dietetic Association recommends minimum 7 beverages per day whilst The British Nutrition Foundation advises proactive dehydration risk management in hospital. This project aimed to reduce the proportion of elderly patients at risk of dehydration in hospital. Methods Staff documented oral hydration over 24 hours for patients on the Care of the Elderly ward. Additional factors obtained retrospectively included demographics, dementia diagnosis, fluid prescriptions and fluid restriction. Criteria adapted from a ‘Hydration Care Assessment Tool’ defined risk of dehydration by daily intake as low (>1500mls), medium (800-1500mls), high (400-800mls) or very high (<400mls). Approximating each drink as 200mls, we set a daily target of 8 beverages; equating to low risk. Visual hydration trackers were placed at patients' bedsides and junior doctors reminded the multi-disciplinary team each morning. Data collection was repeated after 2 weeks. Results First cycle recruited 13 males, 16 females with mean age 78.5. Over 50% were Very High Risk (5/29) or High Risk (12/29) of dehydration whilst the remainder were Medium Risk (10/29), or Low risk (2/29). 4/5 (80%) at Very High Risk received intravenous fluids. Of the High-Risk group, more than half had a diagnosis of dementia and 3/12 (25%) received fluids intravenously. Following intervention, 12 males and 7 females were recruited with mean age 76. Proportion at highest risk was reduced: Very High Risk (5/29 to 0/19; -100%), High Risk (12/29 to 3/19; -61%). Therefore, more were at Medium Risk (10/29 to 13/19; +101%) and Low Risk (2/29 to 3/19; +131%). Conclusion Though improved, few patients meet hydration recommendations. However simple visual reminders are an effective starting point. Further interventions could include oral fluid prescriptions and reflect staff and patient feedback.
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