Barriers and Facilitators to implementation of the Free Water Protocol in the Acute Stroke Unit Setting: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: Free water protocols (FWP) give patients at risk of aspiration the option to drink water between meals. Evidence is lacking about their use in acute stroke care. This systematic review evaluated the literature about barriers and facilitators to FWP implementation in acute stroke unit settings. Electronic databases and grey literature sources were systematically searched, eligible studies were critically appraised, and data extracted and mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The results are presented in a narrative synthesis. Five studies were identified for inclusion: Two qualitative studies, 1 mixed method study, 1 randomised controlled trial and 1 pilot cohort study. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified across the 5 CFIR domains

SUBMITTER: Eltringham SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12479707 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature