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Introduction of an Oral Fluid Challenge Protocol in the Management of Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Regional
E Umana1, A Rana1, K Maduemem2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Galway, Ireland
Insights
Introducing an Oral Fluid Challenge (OFC) protocol reduced intravenous fluid use and improved documentation for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) patients. This strategy enhances care for AGE, optimizing rehydration and patient management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the primary treatment for acute gastroenteritis (AGE).
- Intravenous fluid (IVF) use and documentation accuracy are key indicators of care quality in AGE management.
- Implementing standardized protocols can optimize patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an Oral Fluid Challenge (OFC) protocol on IVF use and documentation in patients with AGE.
- To assess the effectiveness of OFC in streamlining patient care within an institutional setting.
Main Methods:
- A single-center retrospective study comparing outcomes before and after OFC protocol implementation.
- Data collected from 110 patients (55 pre-OFC, 55 post-OFC) presenting with AGE-like symptoms.
- Analysis focused on rates of IVF use, dehydration level documentation, and OFC volume documentation.
Main Results:
- IVF use decreased from 22% pre-OFC to 18% post-OFC.
- Documentation of dehydration levels improved by 26%.
- Documentation of OFC volume improved by 52% post-implementation.
Conclusions:
- The addition of an OFC protocol to standard management significantly improved care for patients with uncomplicated AGE.
- OFC protocol implementation led to reduced IVF utilization and enhanced clinical documentation.
- This protocol offers a valuable strategy for optimizing the management of AGE.
Abstract:
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) remains the ideal first line therapy for acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Our aim was to assess the impact of introducing an Oral Fluid Challenge (OFC) protocol on outcomes such as intravenous fluid use and documentation in our institution. A single centre study with data collected retrospectively pre-implementation (April 2015) of the OFC protocol and post implementation (April 2016). Consecutive sampling of the first 55 patients presenting with GE like symptoms and underwent OFC were recruited. One hundred and ten patients were included in this study with 55 patients per cycle. The rates of IVF use decreased from 22% (12) in cycle one to 18% (10) in cycle two. There was an improvement in documentation by 26% (14) for level of dehydration and 52% (31) for OFC volume from cycle one to two. Overall, the addition of the OFC protocol to the management of patients with uncomplicated AGE would help streamline and improve care.
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