Dehydration is recognised as a major issue in healthcare. Recovery after illness, extended length of stay, pressure sores and slow tissue recovery can all be impacted by dehydration. One of the biggest problems for many people with regard to getting a drink is easy, independent access - if they can't reach the jug/cup without a struggle then they often will go thirsty and potentially become dehydrated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of dehydration on outcome in patients 65 years and over. Furthermore we aim to assess the impact of providing easy, 24 hour, independently accessible fluids on reducing dehydration as well as improving patient experience. We hypothesise that patients who are dehydration will take longer to recover from illness and stay in hospital for longer periods.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
The Hydrant is a new form of "drinking system" that may be used to provide continuous access to hydration will be given to 20 patients. 10 of the patients will have mild cognitive impairment with Mini Mental State Examination less than 24 and 10 with normal cognitive function. Patients and staff will be interviewed to assess the feasibility of the hydrant.
Queens Medical Centre
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Serum Osmolality
Time frame: At admission and 48hrs post admission to hospital
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