Fluid therapy rates in dehydrated patients

The team at Vets Now carried out an audit to investigate whether fluid therapy rates for dehydrated patients were being calculated according to current guidelines due to the risk of fluid overload in critically ill patients.

Retrospective data revealed that fluid therapy rates were only calculated according to current guidelines in 23% of cases. After implementing a poster resource in the prep area, fluid rates for dehydrated patients were calculated according to published guidelines in 87% of cases. This improvement means that many more patients had their fluid therapy rates tailored according to their unique needs and the current guidelines, reducing the likelihood of fluid overload and potentially shortening their hospital stay due to hydration being replaced at a more appropriate rate.

The team are now more aware and considerate of appropriate fluid therapy prescription, positively impacting patient safety.  

This project was awarded champion at the 2025 Knowledge Awards.