OBJECTIVE: Study preoperative fasting times of adult elective surgical patients. METHODS: Fasting times for food and clear fluids, and the information used by patients to decide when to start fasting were studied. RESULTS: Among 200 patients, median fasting times were 2-4 times the guideline recommendations. Most patients used hospital written instructions but many started fasting substantially earlier than the instructions stipulated. DISCUSSION: Improved communication with patients could improve fasting times.
OBJECTIVE: Study preoperative fasting times of adult elective surgical patients. METHODS: Fasting times for food and clear fluids, and the information used by patients to decide when to start fasting were studied. RESULTS: Among 200 patients, median fasting times were 2-4 times the guideline recommendations. Most patients used hospital written instructions but many started fasting substantially earlier than the instructions stipulated. DISCUSSION: Improved communication with patients could improve fasting times.