We've been told that SmartFlow doesn't allow us to have a default fluid rate of "0" or be able to save fluid rates to templates/anesthetic sheets. We also found this FAQ confirming that here: https://forum.smartflowsheet.com/support/solutions/articles/13000043160-why-can-t-i-save-a-fluid-rate-within-a-template-
However, even though it's mentioned that Anesthetic sheets can be used for blood transfusions (here: https://forum.smartflowsheet.com/support/solutions/articles/13000018714-smart-flow-anesthetic-sheet-more-than-meets-the-eye-), not being able to default the rate to be "0" or be able to have our 3 blood product rates be set as options (initial, median, & completion over remaining 3.5hrs) can actually be VERY dangerous for our patients.
Ex: We have a 4kg feline that needs 40mLs of pRBCs. We would start the initial rate at 1mL/kg/hr (4mL/hr), then increase to median rate at 2mL/kg/hr (8mL/hr), then increase to completion rate of total blood volume to be infused / 3.5hrs (11.42mL/hr) for the duration of the transfusion (3.5hrs). As the default in SmartFlowis set to 1.0x Maint. rate (for crystalloids, not colloids), it by default shows a rate of 13.4mL/hr for this patient, which is more than even the completion rate should be!
We can all appreciate attempts to eliminate mistakes & improve patient safety, however, in this situation this fluid rate default is likely to harm our patients rather than help.
Can you please reconsider the fluid rate default or come up with a solution to this particular issue?
Much Appreciated.
This is a very valuable comment and will be added to consideration when we will redesign our fluid calculator. (q2 - q3 2018)
With the recent update to the monitoring parameters on the Anesthetic Sheets now being marketed to have a better use as blood transfusion sheets, this important issue still needs to be addressed as a potential safety hazard to fluid (blood) overloading or increasing the possibility of a reaction in our patients.