Oropharyngeal Dysphagia study: Free Water Protocol
Official title Investigation of a Free Water Protocol
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06309602
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see if letting patients drink plain water improves their satisfaction and oral hygiene without raising pneumonia risk.
- Who it's for
- Adults in an acute care setting who have oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
- What's involved
- Participants will follow a free water protocol, and researchers will measure satisfaction, oral hygiene, and any pneumonia events. They will also gather feedback from patients and caregivers.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts the hospital stay; participants will have regular check‑ins and assessments during that time.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 and older
You may be able to join if
- Stroke diagnosis or trauma patients being cared for by Trauma \& Acute Care Surgery (TACS) providers
- Current orders for restricted or thickened liquids
- Ability to control their own airway (i.e. airway adjuncts not needed)
You likely can't join if
- Individuals who are medically fragile, as determined by treating physician, to include diagnosis of sepsis, need for vasopressors, or high...
- Individuals who refuse oral care, have any decayed teeth or dental disease, or have a documented active oral infection
- Individuals with an advanced progressive neurological condition, active head/neck cancer, or those who are immunosuppressed
- Individuals who are on bed-rest orders
- Individuals who are lethargic or sedated
- Individuals with suspected pre-hospital aspiration event and/or aspiration pneumonitis
See the full eligibility criteria
- Stroke diagnosis or trauma patients being cared for by Trauma \& Acute Care Surgery (TACS) providers
- Current orders for restricted or thickened liquids
- Ability to control their own airway (i.e. airway adjuncts not needed)
- Individuals who are medically fragile, as determined by treating physician, to include diagnosis of sepsis, need for vasopressors, or high oxygenation needs (requiring high-flow nasal cannula, Airvo, or oximask)
- Individuals who refuse oral care, have any decayed teeth or dental disease, or have a documented active oral infection
- Individuals with an advanced progressive neurological condition, active head/neck cancer, or those who are immunosuppressed
- Individuals who are on bed-rest orders
- Individuals who are lethargic or sedated
- Individuals with suspected pre-hospital aspiration event and/or aspiration pneumonitis
- Individuals with a fever of unknown origin
- Individuals with a history of recurrent aspiration pneumonia/pneumonitis
- Individuals whose primary language is one that the questionnaires are not available in a validated format
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Loveland, Colorado, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Loveland, Colorado, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.