Maintaining oral hydration in older adults living in residential aged care facilities

Background  The Clinical Fellowship program was developed to address the need for best practice in aged care and therefore improve outcomes for residents in Residential Aged Care. The project chosen for this program was Oral Hydration with the aim of improving the hydration status of Nursing Home residents and management of those at risk of dehydration. Method  The clinical audit tool used was the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI-PACES). This tool allows measurement of current practice against best practice. The Getting Research into Practice program was then used to address non-compliance with best practice. This program requires consultation with key stakeholders to identify limitations to achieving best practice and plan action to address these limitations where possible. Conclusion  While 100% compliance with all audit criteria was not achieved, strategies to improve current practice were identified and are in the process of being implemented. The tools developed by The JBI have been beneficial in identifying, measuring and implementing best practice. The process has the potential to contribute to improved resident outcomes and best practice in residential aged care through clinical audit and feedback.