3 9
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
already spent half an hour getting them changed and onto stretchers.
By that time, a lot of patients didn't want to admit that they'd been
wasting our time.
The solution was to create an NPO questionnaire that we give
patients as soon as they arrive at the center. The questions are simple,
and include: "I last ate food at __ am/pm" and "I last drank any fluids
at __ am/pm." We also have them sign the questionnaire. The advan-
tages are twofold: We get the information before we waste time getting
them ready for surgery, and we make them responsible and account-
able if they're dishonest and problems arise.
anna trzcinski, rn
SurgiCare of Boca
Boca Raton, Fla.
atrzcinski@surgem.com
