Assessing and documenting fluid balance.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Nursing
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Reports highlight concerns regarding inadequate patient hydration and fluid balance monitoring.
• Suboptimal fluid balance management poses risks to patient health and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors affecting patient hydration.
• To implement an improved process for managing hydration risks.
• To develop a comprehensive hydration pathway.

Main Methods:

• The Fluid Balance Improvement Project was initiated at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
• A revised process and hydration pathway were developed and implemented.
• Staff education and support were integral components of the intervention.

Main Results:

• Improved compliance with fluid balance monitoring standards.
• Enhanced identification of patients at risk of dehydration.
• Increased initiation of appropriate fluid balance monitoring for acute kidney injury patients.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydration pathway, coupled with staff support, significantly improved hydration monitoring.
• The intervention effectively addressed risks associated with dehydration and acute kidney injury.
• Enhanced fluid balance monitoring contributes to better patient outcomes and safety.