title: A multidisciplinary protocol improves electrolyte replacement and its effectiveness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We implemented a multidisciplinary electrolyte replacement protocol in a tertiary referral center surgical intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective study. The electrolyte replacement protocol was designed for the replacement of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous and was nurse driven. Data evaluated included patient demographics and details specific to electrolyte replacement. Univariate analyses were performed by using the Student t test and the Fisher exact test. A P value of <.05 was considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After implementation of the protocol, overall electrolyte replacement improved from 70% to 79% (P = .03), and its overall effectiveness increased from 50% to 65% (P = .01). Individual electrolyte replacement, effectiveness, and dosing varied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation of a multidisciplinary electrolyte replacement protocol in a tertiary referral center surgical intensive care unit significantly improved both overall electrolyte replacement and its effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, 6550 Fannin Street, Smith Tower 1661, Houston, TX 77030, USA. srtodd@tmhs.org
authors.forename: S Rob
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sucher
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Krista L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Jeff B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Frederick A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000628:therapy; D017674:Hypophosphatemia / Q000628:therapy; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008274:Magnesium / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D008274:Magnesium