Enhanced Treatment for Dehydrated Patients

One of the most commonly used treatments in hospitals across the country is fluid therapy. A frequent reason for admission to the emergency department is dehydration, which is often treated with intravenous fluid administration rather than asking the patient to drink fluids (oral rehydration therapy).

But which treatment method is the best? Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark are set to investigate this with a grant from the Region of Southern Denmark.

-We wish to explore the possibilities of using oral rehydration therapy as an alternative to intravenous fluid therapy and then compare the treatment effects of the two methods, explains Peter Biesenbach, Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark.

The project is part of a movement away from traditional treatment practices, aiming to explore alternatives to current methods. This aims to ensure that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their individual situation within the healthcare system.

If the project shows that oral rehydration therapy is a viable alternative to intravenous fluid therapy, and more relevant patients are offered this treatment, it could positively impact the need for hospitalisation and/or the length of hospital stays.

The change in hospitalisation needs and/or duration could also have societal significance, freeing up resources that would otherwise have been used for intravenous fluid therapy.