Although decades of research have found consuming clear liquids, including those that are carbohydrate rich, until a few hours before surgery is beneficial, many providers still instruct patients to fast preoperatively for long periods.
The author offers several suggestions for changing this practice to follow evidence-based medicine:
– Develop preoperative order sets that include instructions for consuming clear liquids.
– Establish benchmarks to increase the number of patients receiving instructions on clear liquids.
– Track outcomes using the electronic health record.
– Use decision support tools to remind clinicians of evidence-based guidelines on fasting.
– Give patients verbal and written preoperative fasting instructions.
– Ask the patient to repeat preoperative fasting instructions to ensure comprehension.
Related Articles on Studies Involving the OR:
Study: Preoperative Safety Briefings Produced On-Time Starts, Positive Staff Attitudes
Study: Offering Surgeons Part-Time Employment Could Reduce Workforce Shortage
Study: Female Surgery Residents Less Confident Than Male Colleagues Post-Training
