Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In 2013, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published Clinical Guideline 174 (CG174), 1 guiding healthcare providers in UK hospitals on the safe administration of intravenous fluid therapy. This guidance was subsequently updated in 2017 and reviewed in 2021 without being substantially altered. The guidance provides educational insights into patients’ physiological requirements for water and electrolytes before categorising the indications for intravenous fluid prescription as routine maintenance, resuscitation, replacement and redistribution requirements. The guidance is supplemented by numerous posters, graphics and other aide-memoires to facilitate and promote good practice. Widespread implementation of this guidance will individualise and rationalise intravenous fluid prescribing practice and minimise the potential harms associated with incorrect or injudicious use of intravenous fluids. Given recent global shortages in access to intravenous fluids, adoption of best-practice, as well as new initiatives such as ‘Sip til Send’,2 ensures optimal and sustainable use of intravenous fluids across healthcare.
Source: BMJ Open Quality
Authors: Andrew Breen, Ashley Miller, Alan Timmins, Greg Barton, Justin Kirk-Bayley, Marcus John Edwards Peck, Huw John Davis, Jonathan Wilkinson
Institutions: University of Leeds, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, NHS Fife, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W4417427737