1183 IV Fluid Prescribing: How Can We Improve?

Aim Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is frequently utilised in conditions affecting fluid/ electrolyte balance. Its inappropriate use can worsen outcomes. Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors often prescribe IV fluids. Understanding IV fluids is therefore key in promoting optimal administration and minimising associated risks. We aim to assess fluid prescribing knowledge amongst our FY1s, and for differences between those who received IV fluid teaching from the Intestinal Failure (IF) Team, and those who did not. Method General Surgery FY1s attended IV fluid teaching from the IF Team, subject to availability. A survey was composed of questions regarding daily requirements, fluid composition, clinical scenarios, confidence levels, and relevant teaching. FY1s were surveyed, and the results analysed. Results Each FY1 (15) answered 16 questions- the total number answered was 240 98 (41%) questions were answered correctly, 142 (59%) incorrectly Those who received IF teaching answered 43/80 (53.8%) questions correctly, versus 55/160 (40.8%) for those who did not 75% of daily requirement questions were correct among those who received teaching, versus 47.5% among those who did not 50% of fluid preparation questions were correct among those who received teaching, versus 26.3% Clinical scenario answers were 45% correct in those who had teaching, versus 40% Confidence in prescribing maintenance/ replacement fluids was 3/3.2 out of 5 respectively among those who received teaching, versus 2.3/2.8. Conclusions Those who received the teaching outperformed their peers, highlighting the session's efficacy. Fluid prescribing continues to pose challenges. Areas for development include more clinical scenario-focused teaching, and production of a ward resource to aid fluid prescribing.