A new national guideline for fasting before surgery has been produced by the Royal College of Nursing.
The aim of the guideline, which was launched at the recent conference of The Preoperative Association, is to address current variations in fasting practice for the benefit of patients.
Under the new guidance, the RCN recommends patients can be given water and clear fluids two hours before general anaesthesia and food six hours before. Babies can be given breast milk four hours before general anaesthesia.
The RCN says that the provision of clear guidance will benefit patients in many ways, increasing comfort and wellbeing prior to surgery and by reducing symptoms such as dehydration and nausea.
The Quality Improvement Programme at the RCN Institute produced the guidance working with a multi-disciplinary guideline development group.
RCN members identified the need for clinical guidance on this topic – to help nurses and other healthcare professionals deliver evidence-based care and improve patient outcomes.
It is hoped that the guideline will be utilised for adapting policy across Trusts and help standardise practice.
The guideline has been endorsed by leading professional organisations such as the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
