Intravenous fluid administration in elderly patients at a London hospital: a two-part audit encompassing ward-based fluid monitoring and prescribing practice by doctors.

Background And Aim: Elderly patients are vulnerable to complications of intravenous fluid overload, however daily monitoring of fluid balance in this population has been highlighted as sub optimal by the NCEPOD. We compare current practice in fluid balance monitoring and intravenous fluid prescribing for elderly patients in a London District General Hospital to guidelines for fluid management in children issued by the National Patient Safety Agency.

Methods: This study consists of two parts: (1) a ward-based survey of fluid balance monitoring in all patients above the age of 65 receiving intravenous fluids; (2) an anonymous questionnaire completed by 20 doctors of a variety of grades and specialities on the parameters of fluid balance routinely checked by doctors prior to prescribing intravenous fluids.