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      5 Trends in Fluid Therapy

       

      Fluid therapy is an essential part of patient treatment, from minor and major surgical procedures to chronic health conditions and critical care. Recent advances have improved the patient experience during treatment while making the process better for clinic staff and their clients. Below are five trends that show how the practice is being modernized.

       

      1. Needle-free solutions

      Leading veterinary hospitals and universities across the country have implemented needle-free fluid administration technology because of the many benefits it provides patients and clinical staff. Needle-free products are now available in a variety of configurations specific to the unique needs of veterinary staff, making providing care convenient and cost effective. Most importantly, the technology reduces accidental needle sticks and adheres to infection control best practices, ensuring safety for both patients and practitioners.

       

      2. More versatile infusion pumps

      In recent years, infusion pumps have gained features that increase accuracy, efficiency and equipment flexibility. For example, the recently released Mindray BeneFusion VP3 Vet includes six adjustable air bubble detection levels and offers the ability to connect with a variety of lines so that whichever IV administration sets you usually have in your office can work.

       

      3. Less-toxic infusion bags

      Veterinary practices are seeing a shift towards nontoxic, chemical-free plastic IV bags. That’s partly because bags without diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are far preferred for use in cancer treatments where there’s a risk that DEHP will react negatively to contents of the treatment fluid.

      Many clients are also showing a preference for ecologically positive, nontoxic materials, or are aware of risks that chemicals in the plastic, including PBC DEHP, will leach into an IV bag’s contents and affect the patient.

       

      4. More frequent client communication

      Fluid therapy is used for serious patient situations when clients are anxious to know how their pet is responding. With the availability of smartphones and other devices, many clients look for more frequent updates and practices can feel pressured to meet this expectation. Though it can take time, it improves a client’s experience. Use of client communications software can simplify the process. One example, Vet Hero, integrates with compatible practice management systems and allows for easy, two-way texting between staff and clients that frees up a practice’s phone lines.

       

      5. At-home fluid therapy

      There are basic fluid therapy processes that veterinarians can teach clients to administer to their pets at home. Alternately, if clients are uncomfortable with the process, fluids can be delivered by a mobile clinician at home. In either case, care occurs in a more comfortable, convenient treatment environment.
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