However, I did find the Frazier’s Water Protocol that helped me to create more practical care plans for my residents. A study published by Cichero in 2013 looked at the impact of different thickeners on medications, satiety, and the bioavailability of water. The study showed that the aeration of liquids increases their volume, which may also contribute to the feeling of fullness and affect one’s nutritional intake.ĭespite my efforts in searching for answers through clinical studies, best practices/guidelines from professional associations, and blogs by credible clinicians and practitioners, I could not find any data that actually looked at the impact of adults in residential care drinking thickened liquids on long term health outcomes. Since gum is a good source of dietary fiber, it also plays a role in reducing appetite and caloric intake. Thickened liquids are either starch-based or gum-based, which increases the nutrient density of the liquid and leads to delayed emptying. Unfortunately, some facilities only provide honey-thick liquids as it was believed that thicker is always safer, regardless of what residents actually need. I observed that many residents were refusing to drink the thickened fluids because of the change in appearance and flavours, especially honey-thick liquids. The unpleasant coating in my mouth never went away no matter how many glasses of thickened liquids I drank. Can you recall tasting thickened liquids for the first time? I still remember that sticky mouthfeel and it getting worse as the thickness increased. Dehydration is the primary concern among people on thickened liquids due to poor acceptance. These questions made me re-visit the approach I was using to manage the symptoms of dysphagia. Will the use of thickened liquids increase the risk of developing secondary complications?.Should thickened liquids be the first intervention for older adults in care who have progressive neurological degenerating diseases and multiple co-morbidities?.Evidence from clinical studies has shown that increasing the viscosity of thin liquids can help slow the transit time of a bolus from the mouth to pharynx, which reduces the chance of it going down the airway. Thickening liquids has become the most frequent intervention in the long term care setting. This is a standard scenario in a clinical setting, but I felt like something was missing. During the bedside swallowing assessment, I would observe the resident to see if any relevant symptoms were presented and recommend the appropriate textures to help minimize the risk of aspiration and/or pneumonia. When I was still a new dietitian in long term care, swallowing assessment referrals would lead to me going to see a resident with a tray of foods and liquids in various textures and consistencies by my side. The demographics in long term care have changed in the past few years: people are being admitted at a later age with more complicated medical conditions, such as dysphagia. This is the type of message I receive on a regular basis from nurses and other care team members. Can you assess if he would benefit from thickened fluids?” B had excessive coughs when drinking his apple juice yesterday. Use of thickened fluids in long term care: Is there a better alternative? By Winnie Hung, BASc, MPH, RD | September 8, 2016
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |