EP.FRI.362 Improving Prescribing and Minimising Delay in Administration of Potassium Replacement Therapies: Surgical Audit on Management of Hypokalaemia in Emergency Surgical Unit at a District General Hospital in UK

Abstract Aims Surgical patients are prone to hypokalaemia due gastrointestinal losses1. Hypokalaemia prolongs ileus2 and thus prompt management is essential. No current guideline on focuses surgical patients. We aimed identify the prevalence of in emergency as well measure timeliness appropriateness replacement. Methods retrospectively reviewed adult admissions exceeding 48 hours between 05/05/2020 15/07/2020. A sub-group analysis assessed timing intravenous replacement duration taken normalise potassium (3.5 mmol/L). used another NHS trust’s guideline3 standard for appropriate Results Of 110 admissions, 26 cases were hypokalaemic. these, 15 had initially normal level. Three likely iatrogenic secondary inappropriate fluid prescribing. Mean hypokalaemic group was 3.2 mmol/L (80.8% mild vs. 19.2% moderate). length stay 11.3 days versus 6.54 normokalaemic cases. 2.13±1.45 days. Potassium prescribed correctly only 50% (23% not prescribed; 25% insufficient; 2% incorrect) these correct prescriptions, 46% actually administered. When given, there a mean 3.55-hour delay lab result administration. Conclusion The majority developed during admission. Only 27% terms both prescription Consequently, we have created local standardise prevention management.