Prethickened beverages for patients with dysphagia
Care Continuum
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To improve taste, accessibility, and fluid intake for patients with dysphagia through locally-flavored pre-thickened. Pre-thickened beverages improve hydration, reduce preparation time, and enhance accessibility.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Care Continuum, Quality Improvement, Design Thinking, Product Development, Commercialisation, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Quality Of Life
About this Content
Aims
To improve taste, accessibility, and fluid intake for patients with dysphagia through locally-flavored pre-thickened beverages.
Background
Patients with dysphagia often face dehydration due to poor fluid intake, driven by taste, dependency on preparation, and accessibility.
Methods
Developed and introduced locally-flavored pre-thickened beverages. Conducted pre-intervention (manual preparation) and intervention phases (pre-thickened use), tracked intake, preparation time, and consistency accuracy.
Results
Oral fluid intake increased from 8.43% to 14.88% (p<0.05). Nurses' preparation time reduced from 75.2 to 20.4 seconds. Consistency accuracy improved significantly. Positive patient feedback on taste and accessibility.
Conclusion
Pre-thickened beverages improve hydration, reduce preparation time, and enhance accessibility. Plans include commercialization and community-wide adoption via vending machines and supermarkets.
Lessons Learnt
Teamwork, outcome measures, and nurse involvement were key to success. Pre-thickened beverages eased caregiver tasks and improved patient compliance.
Additional Information
Products are now available in TTSH Retail Pharmacy with plans for wider distribution.
Keywords
Care Redesign, Safe Care, Patient Safety, Dysphagia, Oral Fluid Intake, Nursing, Allied Health, Pre-Thickened Beverages
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Speech Therapy |
Project Lead(s) | Zenne Tng Kuan Chen |
Project Member(s) | Teo Wei Shan |
Connect with this contributor!
Zenne Tng Kuan Chen - kuan_chen_tng@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
346_TTSH_NHIP_2020_Prethickened_beverages_for_patients_with_dysphagia_combine.pdf