Objectives: Free Water Protocols (FWPs) are implemented selectively because of mixed evidence on the benefits associated with their use. This retrospective study examines the implementation a long-standing clinical program and descriptively reports rehabilitation and quality care outcomes.
Methods: Data were collected over 6 years (n = 575). Inpatient rehabilitation setting. Variables included in this study were age, medical diagnoses, rate of acute care hospital transfers, discharge destinations, length of time on FWP.
Results: Cohort consisted of older adults (M = 68.43, SD = 15.11), with diagnosis of stroke (60.2%), brain injury (19.1%), spinal cord injury (7.3%), cardiac (1%), orthopedics (5%), other (13.1%). Acute care hospital transfers occurred in 6% as descriptively compared to national average (14%). Additionally, participants tolerated FWP for days (M = 14.1, SD = 14.4) and most went home following rehabilitation
Discussion: This retrospective study concludes the feasibility of implementing a FWP in a rehabilitation facility and reports descriptive outcomes. Experimental research is required for conclusions to be made regarding effectiveness of the FWP for dysphagia.

Abstract
Ⅰ. Introducti
Ⅱ. Methods
    1. Procedures
    2. Participants
    3. Data Collection
    4. Data Analysis
Ⅲ. Results
Ⅳ. Discussion
Ⅴ. Conclusion
References

• Stephanie Scibilia(Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Speech Therapy)
• A.M. Barrett(Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health System)
• Christina Piscopo(Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Department of Speech Therapy)
• Uri Adler(Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine)
• Ickpyo Hong(Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University) Corresponding author
• Kimberly Hreha(Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch)