Improving Oral Fluid Intake of Elderly Patients In YCH
Care Process & Redesign
Yishun Health One Improvement Festival
National Healthcare Group
22 April 2025
To improve oral fluid intake of elderly patients in geriatric subacute ward in Yishun Community Hospital. The initiative to improve oral fluid intake for elderly patients at YCH is in line with the Onwards 2026 Strategic Plan – Manage &.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 22 April 2025
Tags: Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Patient Satisfaction, Value Based Care, Care Process ＆ Redesign
About this Content
Aims
To improve oral fluid intake of elderly patients in geriatric subacute ward in Yishun Community Hospital.
Background
The prevalence of dehydration among hospitalized elderly patients ranges from 37-45% in acute hospitals and 20% in long-term care facilities. Dehydration is linked to various conditions, including constipation, pressure sores, infections, delirium, and behavioural issues.
Methods
A preliminary survey was conducted in a YCH subacute ward. The project involved standardizing fluid schedules and reminders to improve patients’ oral fluid intake. The first and second PDSA cycles were implemented to analyze fluid intake improvements.
Results
Patients' total fluid intake increased from 1035ml/day to 1517ml/day. In the first PDSA cycle, average fluid intake increased to 1316 ml per day. In the second PDSA cycle, it averaged 1517 ml per day.
Conclusion
The initiative to improve oral fluid intake for elderly patients at YCH is in line with the Onwards 2026 Strategic Plan – Manage & Prevent Frailty. The project has shown that standardized fluid schedules and reminders effectively improve patients’ oral fluid intake.
Lessons Learnt
Inconsistent fluid scheduling and insufficient fluid amounts may have led to inadequate patient intake. Standardizing the fluid schedule helps align expectations regarding necessary fluid consumption.
Additional Information
The project created strategies to promote oral fluid intake among frail patients during their hospital stay. These strategies can also be shared with patients and caregivers to ensure adequate fluid consumption post-discharge.
Keywords
Hydration, Fluid Intake, Elderly Care, Patient Safety
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Yishun Community Hospital |
Platform(s) | Yishun Health One Improvement Festival |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Nutrition ＆ Dietetics |
Project Lead(s) | Guo W.X., Srinivasan S |
Project Member(s) | Thet Htet Zaw |
Connect with this contributor!
KTPH & YCH Innovation & Improvement (I&I) Office - i-i@ktph.com.sg
Project Attachment
776_KTPH_OIF 2025_Improving oral fluid intake of elderly.pdf