Achievements against Priority Initiatives
RYDE HOSPITAL Risky Business – Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk
The Risky Business project is revolutionising care for patients with dysphagia—swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious health risks. Many patients choose to eat and drink despite these risks to preserve their quality of life. This project introduced a pioneering approach to improve the process called Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk , empowering patients to make informed choices. A multidisciplinary team led by the Speech Pathology Team at Ryde Hospital partnered with consumers to co-design a standardised protocol, including patient education resources, bedside signage, staff training, and documentation templates, enabling informed shared decision- making with patients. Better patient experience and outcomes. The Risky Business project has improved patient experience, staff knowledge, and health service efficiency while also delivering cost efficiencies and reducing waste. • Time nil by mouth reduced from an average of 4 days to 0 days, minimising risks like malnutrition and delirium. • Length of stay in hospital dropped from 20 days to 13 days, improving patient flow and experience. • Nasogastric tube feeding fell from 19% to 0%, aligning care with patient wishes. • Use of intravenous (IV) fluids decreased from 81% to 67%, reducing invasive procedures. • Hospital re-presentations declined from 33% to 17%, reflecting well-managed care in the community as per patient wishes. • Palliative care referrals rose from 19% to 58%, enhancing symptom management and dignity. • The rate of Eating and Drinking with Acknowledgment of Risk decisions being honoured rose from 61% to 100%, reflecting a significant improvement in respecting patient autonomy. • Hospital-acquired respiratory complications dropped by 71%, improving safety and outcomes.
Risky Business project team, Ryde Hospital
Patients report feeling respected and heard.
Risky Business is now embedded in practice at Ryde Hospital and primed for replication in other hospitals. The team plans to undertake a formal research study to further evaluate the initiative, enabling more widespread sharing of results and supporting broader implementation across healthcare settings. By placing patients at the heart of care, this project exemplifies how innovation, collaboration, and compassion can transform the healthcare experience. I understand my swallowing problems… I’m 80, I’m old, I just want to enjoy the time I have left and eat and drink whatever I like!”
WINNER
In recognition of its impact, Risky Business won at the 2025 NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards for Transforming Patient Experience. A video showcasing the project can be viewed: https://vimeo.com/1096127229
9
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online