Assessing Knowledge, Usage, and Perceptions of the Frazier Free Water Protocol: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Interventions
• Patient Quality of Life
• Swallowing Disorders

Background:

• Dysphagia is prevalent in hospitalized patients, leading to longer stays and increased morbidity.
• Current diet restrictions for dysphagia often result in dehydration and patient dissatisfaction.
• The Frazier Free Water Protocol (FFWP) aims to improve hydration and quality of life for dysphagia patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess healthcare providers' familiarity, usage, and perceptions of the FFWP.
• To identify barriers to the widespread utilization of the FFWP in a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to hospital nurses.
• The questionnaire utilized a validated framework to assess provider acceptability of health interventions.
• 58 out of 66 (88%) nurses completed the survey.

Main Results:

• Only 17% of nurses had heard of the FFWP by name.
• Less than half (39%) of familiar nurses reported using the protocol.
• Comfort levels increased when the protocol was recommended by a speech-language pathologist or physician.

Conclusions:

• Nurses play a vital role in FFWP implementation but often lack familiarity and comfort.
• Targeted education on the FFWP is necessary to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Further assessment of other healthcare team members is planned to increase protocol utilization.