876 Are Patients Presenting Acutely with Renal Tract Calculi Routinely Given Dietary Advice?

Abstract

Abstract Aim The risk of formation of renal calculi can be reduced by making changes to diet and fluid intake. NICE recommend that dietary advice is given to all patients presenting with renal tract calculi either at presentation or prior to discharge. The purpose of this study was to assess patients’ current knowledge and whether provision of the BAUS leaflet can improve this. Method At a district general hospital, patients who have had acute presentations with ureteric calculi who are conservatively managed are followed up in telephone ‘hot clinic’. Over a 3-month period, prior to clinic attendance, patients were invited to complete a questionnaire. Inclusion criteria: adults with an isolated presentation who are not high-risk stone formers. Results Of the 59 patients who attended seven clinics, 44 completed the questionnaire (70% male, mean age 46 (22, 83)). Only 10 (23%) of the patients recalled being given dietary advice at initial presentation, two of whom were given written advice. Thirty patients were aware that diet can impact on stone formation, however only 13 (30%) and 21 (48%) were aware that dietary protein and salt respectively can impact on stone formation. Knowledge of recommended fluid intake was good, with 31 (70%) correctly identifying 2-3 litres as adequate and only 2 (5%) stating that <1 litre is adequate. Conclusions With the exception of fluid intake, patient knowledge of dietary advice for stone formers is poor, due to lack of education provided at initial presentation. Educative measures and signposting to BAUS-approved resources may reduce risk of future stone formation.