A Questionnaire Based Study of Postgraduate Trainees on Their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Preoperative Fasting in Cases of Elective Surgery at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Preoperative fasting is crucial to minimize the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anaesthesia. The American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) recommends specific fasting durations for solids and liquids. However, outdated practices such as “nil per oral after midnight” remain prevalent. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of postgraduate trainees regarding preoperative fasting guidelines. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 postgraduate trainees from surgical and anaesthesiology specialties. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v25.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: While 71.33% of residents correctly identified the 6–8 hour fasting guideline for solids in adults, only 40% knew the 2-hour guideline for clear fluids. In practice, fewer trainees adhered to these guidelines. For paediatric patients, only 4% correctly identified the 4-hour fasting period for breast milk. Most trainees (50.67%) relied on seniors for guidance, and major barriers included high workload and inconsistent instructions between departments. Despite this, 70% acknowledged the benefits of shorter fasting durations. Conclusion: Although knowledge of ASA guidelines among postgraduate trainees is moderately adequate, implementation is suboptimal. Institutional efforts are needed to align practices with current evidence and enhance adherence to ERAS protocols.