P72 Knowledge and application of the guidelines on intravenous fluid therapy in adult post op surgical patients amongst junior doctors in maidstone and tunrnbridge wells (mth) nhs trust

INTRODUCTION: Foundation Year doctors and Senior House officers are commonly made responsible for fluid prescriptions. Errors could lead to significant poor outcome for the patient. METHODOLOGY: A total of 36 FY1s and SHOs were asked 8 questions to check their knowledge of the guideline for intravenous fluid therapy in adult surgical patients (GIFTASUP). Following this, a retrospective analysis of fluid prescriptions received by 37 patients who had elective colorectal surgeries was analysed over a 3-month period to see if the fluids received met the GIFTASUP guideline and see how this affected the outcome of the patients. RESULTS: 33(92%) of doctors studied are not aware of any guidelines for fluid prescription post operatively. 38(22%) of prescriptions made exceeded 2500mls in 24 hours. Ileus was significant amongst those patients who received fluid volumes more than 2500 mls in 24 hours (p = 0.045). Also, all 4 patients who had pneumonia received fluid volumes exceeding 2500mls in the days preceding the pneumonia. In addition, the length of hospital stay was 15 days and 9 days in those with fluids volumes greater than 2500mls and less than 2500mls in 24 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION: Majority of the Foundation year doctors in MTH are not aware of post-operative fluid guidelines which resulted in errors in the prescriptions made. This is associated with pneumonia, ileus and prolonged length of hospital stay.