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.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a construct of quality of life relevant to health. HRQOL can be measured multiple ways including self-perceived interpretation of one’s health status. Research has shown value in understanding self-perceived or person-centered HRQOL. Thus, these types of assessments have been integrated into health care systems, used to help patients set personal goals and to determine treatment success. The purpose of this study was to describe the group, examine the relationship between HRQOL and functional independence, and then determine the impact of standard care on the HRQOL (index and visual analog scale [VAS]). Methods: Retrospective clinical observation study. Descriptive statistics used to describe the stroke sample. Comparison was performed to explore the correlation between the EuroQol 5-Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at admission and discharge. Paired-samples t-test was conducted to evaluate the impact of standard therapy on HRQOL on EQ-5D. Results: n=1325; mean age of 72 years (SD=13.28) and 65% females. A weak, positive correlation found at admission (r=.15, n=1325, p<.000) and discharge (r=.04, n=1325, p<.000). A paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant increase in HRQOL index and VAS scores (p’s<.000) overtime, with a large effect size (η2=.74 and .70), respectively. Conclusion: A weak relationship was present between HRQOL and functional independence, thus suggesting these assessments should be used independent of each other. Statistically significant change in scores suggest improvement in HRQOL overtime, supported by large effect sizes and mean scores higher than the minimal important difference range.