P050 - AUDIT ON FLUID MANAGEMENT IN OLDER ADULTS WITH ENTERAL FEEDING RECEIVING IV FLUID THERAPY IN QATAR

P050

AUDIT ON FLUID MANAGEMENT IN OLDER ADULTS WITH ENTERAL FEEDING RECEIVING IV FLUID THERAPY IN QATAR

A. A. Alfehaidi^1,*

¹HMC, Doha, Qatar

Rationale:  Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is essential for maintaining hydration, electrolyte balance, and drug administration. However, inappropriate prescribing can lead to fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and prolonged hospital stays. This audit evaluates IV fluid prescription and administration compliance with national and hospital guidelines.

The primary aim of this audit is to assess adherence to IV fluid prescribing guidelines, ensuring patient safety and optimal resource utilization. Secondary objectives include identifying areas for improvement and recommending strategies to enhance compliance.

Methods: A retrospective review of patient records was conducted over a specific period, analyzing IV fluid type, prescription accuracy, indication, and monitoring practices. Data were compared against established standards to determine compliance rates.

Results: The audit found that 62% of IV fluid prescriptions adhered to guidelines, while 38% deviated from best practices. 45% of prescriptions lacked proper documentation of the indication for IV fluids. Fluid selection was inappropriate in 27% of cases, and 31% of patients did not receive adequate monitoring. Additionally, 22% of IV fluid prescriptions did not match the patient’s clinical needs, suggesting an overuse or misuse of specific fluids.

Conclusion: The results highlight the need for improved prescribing practices, enhanced documentation, and better monitoring. Targeted clinician education and regular audits could improve compliance and patient safety. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of these interventions on clinical outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared