Navigating an Intravenous Fluid Shortage Crisis: A Health System's Response to a Hurricane-Induced Supply Disruption.

INTRODUCTION

Hurricane Helene's disruption of Baxter's North Carolina manufacturing facility in September 2024 created significant supply disruptions and an urgent need to reduce intravenous fluid (IVF) usage across our 12 acute care hospital health system.

METHODS

Our approach combined an integrated informatics and operational response that included real-time electronic health record monitoring, clinical decision support tools, and hospital-level operational interventions.

RESULTS

We achieved and sustained a peak 44% reduction in IVF usage while maintaining quality metrics.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of 68,430 patient encounters demonstrated no significant changes in acute kidney injury or mortality rate, although demonstrating a reduction in length of stay. This study describes the rationale and impact of our approach and provides a framework for healthcare systems facing similar supply chain disruptions.