TTP2.08 Enhancing Preoperative Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Compliance with Fasting Guidelines in Elective Colorectal Surgery

Aims We aimed to evaluate compliance with national and international guidelines for preoperative fasting in elective colorectal cases. Methods We recruited adult patients (≥16 years) scheduled for elective colorectal surgery at a district general hospital. Patient-reported data were collected via a questionnaire over two weeks in December 2024. The intervention included posters and educational sessions for patients and healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses, anaesthetists, and healthcare assistants. Post-intervention data were collected over another two weeks. Statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel Results A total of 39 patients were surveyed pre-intervention, and 29 patients post-intervention. Median fasting times (Q1, Q3) for food were 15 hours (9, 18) pre-intervention, reducing to 7 hours (6, 8.5) post-intervention. Median fasting times for fluids decreased from 4.5 hours (3, 7) to 4 hours (2, 6), respectively. The proportion of patients informed about "sips to send" increased from 28.2% to 72.4%, while understanding of the importance of preoperative fasting improved from 79.4% to 96.5%. Conclusion Our project demonstrates educational interventions and a multidisciplinary approach effectively improve compliance with preoperative fasting guidelines, leading to shorter fasting times and enhanced patient understanding. These measures are essential in reducing dehydration, minimising discomfort, and lowering the risk of perioperative complications, thereby contributing to safer surgical practices and improved patient outcomes.