Oxford Academic Health Science Network: Good Hydration!

Summary

Good Hydration! is a quality improvement initiative designed by care homes for care homes to reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) through structured drinks rounds. Developed in partnership with East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, it is now delivering sustained improvements and spreading further afield. Oxford Academic Health Science Network has produced a range of useful resources for care homes to use.

Content

Key outcomes

• UTI hospital admissions reduced by 36% in the four pilot care homes (150 residents).
• UTIs requiring antibiotics reduced by 58%.
• The gap between UTIs increased from an average of nine days in the baseline period to 80 days in the implementation and sustainability phase.
• One residential home was UTI-free for 243 consecutive days.
• Similar outcomes noted in pilot 2 care homes (215 residents).