P94 Pre-Operative Fasting in Surgical Patients at Good Hope Hospital – Reducing incidents of unnecessary prolonged fasting periods in patients undergoing surgery

Patients are often fasted from food and liquid for unnecessarily long periods of time prior to surgery. There is often misunderstanding amongst patients and even members of staff as to what exactly is meant by the pre-operative fasting rules, specifically the meaning of ‘clear fluids’. Prolonged fluid fasting can result in significant distress to adult and children patients through feelings of thirst, hunger and anxiety. Prolonged fasting can also negatively affect insulin resistance and severe cases of hypoglycaemia and hypovolaemia. A questionnaire was handed out to elective surgical patients over a month period between September and October 2019. Data was then collated and compared to the 2011 ESA Guidelines standard where 100% of patients should be fasted appropriately. Results were presented and a poster was created which will be distributed at pre-operative assessment clinic and displayed in clinical areas and the day-case unit. 68 responses to the questionnaire were collected. The results showed that 58% of patients received both written and verbal advice about pre-operative fasting. However, 42% of patients stated they received no information about being able to drink clear fluids until 2 hours prior to their operation and therefore fasted from fluids for longer than required. In conclusion there was still disparity between what exactly was meant by ‘clear fluids’ and many did not realise the list included coffee and tea without added milk. The next steps would be to implement clear posters outlining correct fasting rules and reinforce education to healthcare staff about this matter. Patients are often fasted from food and liquid for unnecessarily long periods of time prior to surgery. There is often misunderstanding amongst patients and even members of staff as to what exactly is meant by the pre-operative fasting rules, specifically the meaning of ‘clear fluids’. Prolonged fluid fasting can result in significant distress to adult and children patients through feelings of thirst, hunger and anxiety. Prolonged fasting can also negatively affect insulin resistance and severe cases of hypoglycaemia and hypovolaemia.