Abstract
Prolonged fasting protocols disrupt eating patterns for patients and can result in negative outcomes. Research has shown that preoperative fasting times affect morbidity and mortality in the postoperative patient. Fasting times have had multiple transitions over time, from short fasting times in the early years of surgery to the most widely recognized NPO after midnight. Long fasting times were used to prevent pulmonary aspiration, a dangerous complication for the postoperative patient. However, recent research literature has shown better outcomes with fasting times as short as two hours for liquids and 4-6 hours for solid foods. Shortened fasting times improve glycemic control and reduce patient symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Thus, shortened fasting times are supported by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Provider adherence to the ASA guideline is key to improving outcomes. The purpose of this project was to educate the providers and nursing staff regarding the current ASA guidelines for preoperative fasting. Using a PDSA design, data was collected to evaluate if improved education of the medical staff and nurses would have a positive effect on patient outcomes related to postoperative fasting times. Though there was minimal improvement in provider use of the correct ASA order, the project helped identify process barriers that affected adherence. Correcting these problems may lead to better adherence in the future.