Research to determine the impact of a free water protocol on inpatients in a neurological rehabilitation setting is extremely relevant to the patient population at Riverview Health Centre (RHC), as many patients at RHC receive a modified diet consisting of thickened liquids. To date, the research base for the use of free water protocols is limited. Despite the general lack of research evidence, modified versions of a free water protocol have been adopted at numerous facilities across North America. Pursuing clinical research to measure the effects of a free water protocol on rate of aspiration pneumonia, quality of life related to swallowing, fluid intake, and hydration levels, would provide research evidence to help guide patient care. If such research were to show that a free water protocol could be used without increased risk to patients with dysphagia, the patient population at Riverview, and at other rehabilitation centers, could benefit.