Mr. Dr. Dummler, if you think of water ice, you probably don’t associate it with the medical field. Why do you offer it to patients in the recovery room after surgery?
Dr. Roland Dummler: The ice has a positive effect on the patient’s well-being. There is research that shows that water ice can even reduce the need for painkillers after surgery. Swelling in the mouth and throat area after artificial ventilation is relieved by the ice. The water ice also helps against general feelings of hunger and thirst and nausea after the procedure.
How did you come up with the idea?
Dummler: We are not the first to offer this. Some other hospitals do this too and I have seen how good it is for patients. That’s why we’re implementing this idea too.
How did the patients react to this?
Dummler: Very positive. Around 70 percent of our patients really like our ice cream offer and are happy to accept it. There are also some who don’t like the ice cream, but the vast majority are happy. We do not carry out any scientific studies, but experience shows that water ice in many cases increases well-being after surgery.
Which varieties are on offer and which ones are particularly popular?
Dummler: We have four flavors of fruit ice cream: raspberry, strawberry, lemon and woodruff. There is also Cola flavored ice cream. I can’t say for sure which flavor is the most popular because the nursing staff hand the ice cream to the patients. But I mean lemon. It will definitely go away.
Is the ice cream stored in a secret location to protect it from thieves?
Dummler: The ice is stored in a separate freezer in the recovery room, which is not open to the public. So we don’t count, but I wouldn’t put my hand in the fire because someone hasn’t helped themselves there before. But there is enough for everyone. In any case, we don’t have a lot of financial outlay. Neither the ice cream nor the refrigerator are particularly expensive. And the whole thing pays off with the extremely positive effect on our patients.
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**What specific data or metrics does Wertachlinik use to measure the success of water ice implementation in patient recovery, beyond subjective patient feedback?**
## Interview: Water Ice for Surgical Recovery - A Sweet Solution?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into unique approaches to everyday life. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Roland Dummler, anesthesiologist at Wertachklinik, who has implemented an unusual but seemingly effective strategy for patient recovery: offering water ice. We’ll also be joined by Sarah Miller, a registered dietician, to offer a broader perspective on the role of nutrition and comfort foods in the healing process.
**Section 1: Origins and Patient Reception**
* **Dr. Dummler:**
> Your article mentions that Wertachklinik adopted this practice after observing its success elsewhere. Could you elaborate on the initial inspiration behind this decision? Did any specific research or anecdotal evidence spark the implementation?
* **Sarah Miller:**
> Water ice provides hydration and some electrolyte replenishment, which can be important after surgery. How does this approach align with established dietary recommendations for post-operative patients? Are there any concerns regarding sugar content in flavored ice creams for those on restricted diets?
**Section 2: The Impact of Water Ice**
* **Dr. Dummler:**
> You mention that about 70% of patients react positively to water ice. What specific benefits have you observed in these patients? Can you share any testimonials or case studies that illustrate the positive impact of this practice?
* **Sarah Miller:**
> Beyond physical benefits, do you think offering a choice of flavors and a comforting familiar treat like water ice can contribute to the patient’s mental and emotional well-being during recovery?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Wider Applicability**
* **Dr. Dummler:**
> What are the logistics involved in providing water ice to patients? Does this practice require any significant changes to the hospital’s routines or budget?
* **Sarah Miller:**>
*Should this practice be adopted more widely in other medical settings? Are there any specific patient populations for whom water ice might be particularly beneficial or unsuitable?*
**Conclusion:**
We thank Dr. Dummler and Sarah Miller for sharing their insights and expertise on this fascinating topic. While the use of water ice in post-operative recovery might seem unconventional, its potential benefits for patient comfort and well-being deserve further exploration. We encourage our viewers to share their thoughts and experiences with this practice in the comments below.
