Hospital changes fasting protocols for patient comfort

Grampians Health has implemented a new fasting protocol that reduces the liquid fasting time before surgery or other procedures with anaesthesia.

Patients preparing for surgery have previously been required to stop consuming solid foods six hours before and liquids two hours before an operation.

The new Sip Til Send approach allows patients to slowly consume up to 200 millilitres of clear liquid every hour before surgery.

The approach aims to increase patient comfort and reduce post-operative complications.

“The Sip Til Send approach is a significant advancement in pre-operative care and we’re pleased to implement this in Grampians Health,” chief operating officer Ben Kelly, said.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to patient-centred care and also aligns with our goal of providing safe and effective healthcare solutions.”

An internal audit revealed that patients were fasting for longer than the required time, which is similar to other hospitals globally.

“Prior to the introduction of Sip Til Send, patients often underwent liquid fasts for prolonged periods as surgeries can sometimes face scheduling delays,” Grampians Health consultant anaesthetist and perioperative medicine clinical lead Dr Fernando Arduini said.

“Allowing patients to sip clear liquids will help them to maintain fluid balance in the body and remain hydrated, reducing the risk of having multiple IV cannulations and complications associated with surgeries.

“The Sip Til Send method may be of particular value in preventing prolonged fasting for inpatients waiting for an emergency surgery where there may be frequent delays due to lack of theatre access.”

The new approach will be applied across the Grampians Health network.

Ahead of a surgery or procedure requiring sedation, patients can now consumer water, coffee without milk, tea without milk, ice cubes or clear icy poles, pulp-free and clear fruit juice, electrolyte solutions like Hydralyte and sports drinks like Gatorade.

The approach may not be suitable for certain patients such as those who are ‘nil by mouth’ for medical or surgical reasons, pregnant patients who are already in labour and undergoing an emergency caesarean section, and patients having procedures without an anaesthetist present.

Eligible patients are not required to practice Sip Til Send.