Feasibility and Acceptability Testing of Evidence-Based Hydration Strategies for Residential Care

Abstract

The current study examined stakeholder perspectives on the perceived effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of 20 evidence-based strategies appropriate for residential care via an online survey ( N = 162). Most participants worked in long-term care (83%), were direct care providers (62%), worked in food/nutrition roles (55%), and identified as female (94%). Strategies that were rated as effective, feasible, and likely to be used in the future were social drinking events, increased drink options at meals, and pre-thickened drinks. Participants also listed their top strategies for inclusion in a multicomponent intervention. Responses to open-ended questions provided insight on implementation, compliance, and budget constraints. Participant perspectives provide insight into developing a multicomponent intervention. Strategies prioritized for such an intervention include: staff education, social drinking opportunities, drinks trolley, volunteer support, improved beverage availability, hydration reminders, offering preferred beverages, and prompting residents to drink using various cues. [ Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15 (1), 27–38.]