None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomised control trial is designed to determine which of two treatments results in the better health outcomes for aspirating stroke patients; free water protocol or thickened fluids only.
Interventions
Free Water Protocol.
Allowing aspirating patients access to water between meals but not with food or drink. They also have access to thickened fluids at their bedside and at mealtimes and can choose whether they drink thickened fluids or water. Patients will remain on this protocol until they are assessed as no longer aspirating. The protocol includes a strict oral hygiene regime of twice daily teeth brushing and rinsing mouth after all food..
Sponsors
Royal Adelaide Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Inpatient in a dedicated stroke unit. Stroke is the primary reason for admission Able to participate in a modified barium swallow procedure Aspirating thin fluids
Exclusion criteria
Known progressive neurological condition. History of brain tumour or brain injury. History of head or neck cancer. Chronic supressed immune system. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Acute medical illness. Receiving alternative non-oral forms of hydration or nutrition. Aspirating smooth pureed food and/or moderately thick fluids. On fluid restriction. Pregnant or breast feeding.
Outcome results
None listed