A retrospective audit of fluid management in patients in an acute hospital and adherence to the GIFTASUP 2009 guidelines

Background Our audit entails the Intravenous fluids prescribed to postoperative patients by clinicians, predominantly the hospital-based interns, where they are analysed and compared with the GIFTASUP 2009 guidelines on prescribing. We gathered data on the attitudes and competency levels in prescribing of the interns, by directly surveying the intern population with questionnaires. We then outlined areas where IV fluid prescription is inconsistent with GIFTASUP and tried to address these inconsistencies with awareness and teaching sessions targeted at those most responsible for prescribing postoperative IV fluids. We then re-evaluated the prescription of IV fluids and measured change in prescription habits. Our audit did not measure morbidity and mortality associated with improper fluid prescription, rather the prescribing habits of clinicians.