Large-volume intravenous fluid use before and after implementation of a fluid conservation strategy

We describe the implementation of a fluid conservation strategy in a 2-hospital community health system and its effects on utilization of 1,000-mL bags of 0.9% sodium chloride and lactated Ringer's solution.

Disruptions to medical supply chains are unpredictable and can cause significant impacts on patient care. A fluid conservation strategy including guidance statements and mandatory order modifications in a 2-hospital community health system was associated with decreases in the use of 1,000-mL bags of 0.9% sodium chloride and lactated Ringer's solutions of 52% and 39%, respectively, compared with the utilization rates over the prior year.

Institutions facing shortages should consider multidisciplinary strategies with trackable metrics when faced with supply chain disruptions.