Sink or swim: Making sense of the NICE intravenous fluid guidelines as a Foundation Year Doctor

Foundation Year (FY) doctors consistently report feeling underprepared when applying intravenous fluid (IVF) guidelines due to inadequate training, resources and an underemphasis of evidence-based bedside assessment techniques. Given IVFs are the most commonly prescribed substance in the NHS, especially by FY doctors, inappropriate patient assessments and written prescriptions are a patient safety threat. Whilst the NICE IVF guideline exists, it is not without nuance and there remain challenges in delivering effective IVF education and sustainable learning interventions over time. From a FY doctor perspective discussed, senior clinicians demonstrating use of guidelines more explicitly may help address the gap between guidelines and clinical practice. Ultimately, given the widespread use of IVF, there is a need for improved education to develop FY doctors' clinical reasoning and ensure patient safety.