Implementing a Safety Protocol for Thirst Management to Improve Postoperative Thirst Using the Iowa Model of Evidence‐Based Practice: A Propensity Score–Matched Evaluation

AIM: This study aimed to (1) implement a Safety Protocol of Thirst Management (SPTM) as an evidence-based practice for quenching postoperative thirst and (2) evaluate its effectiveness using a comparative pre-and-post induction design. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study using propensity scored matching. METHOD: Guided by the Iowa Model, the SPTM was implemented at a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan in 2023. Outcomes were compared between adult surgical patients admitted in 2023 (post-induction) and those admitted prior (pre-induction). Data on thirst and pain intensity, body temperature, and PACU length of stay (LOS) were analyzed for 15,168 patients. RESULTS: A standardized SPTM flow diagram was established. Following SPTM induction, mean thirst scores significantly decreased from 5.76 to 1.30 (p < 0.001). Although pain intensity and PACU LOS (63.63 vs. 62.23 min) showed statistically significant increases, these changes were clinically marginal. Body temperature remained stable with no incidence of perioperative hypothermia. CONCLUSIONS: The Iowa Model effectively guides nursing organizations in translating evidence into practice. The SPTM provides a safe, consistent framework for nurses to alleviate postoperative thirst, significantly enhancing the quality of surgical care. IMPACT: This study addresses the lack of standardized thirst management. Results demonstrate that an evidence-based SPTM protocol effectively quenches thirst without increasing adverse clinical risks. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The SPTM was triggered by patient reports of thirst-related distress. During the design phase, patient feedback on the acceptability of cold oral stimuli was used to refine the protocol. While patients did not participate in the data analysis, the primary outcome (thirst intensity) was selected based on its significance to patient-cantered care. REPORTING METHOD: This study was reported according to TIDieR guideline.