The Impact on Healthcare Facilities of the 2024 IV Fluids Shortage after Hurricane Helene A Mixed Methods Study

The authors conducted a mixed methods study combining quantitative survey data and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with members of the National Critical Care Task Force to characterize the severity of a nationwide intravenous fluid shortage and the challenges it posed to hospitals. They found nearly 90 percent of hospitals were affected by the shortage despite all respondents indicating they had supply shortage plans in place prior to the hurricane. The article outlines the various ways respondents allocated limited supplies, including more than 17 percent who gave some of their supply to neighboring hospitals. While the authors acknowledge the limited sample size and scope of their study, it is the first analysis of the shortage and attempt to develop a framework of solutions.