Is preparative fasting of 4 hours necessary prior to IV contrast-enhanced CT examinations?
Care Process & Redesign
Singapore Healthcare Management Congress
SingHealth
31 December 2021
Evaluate necessity of 4-hour preparative fasting before IV contrast-enhanced CT scans. Preparative fasting is not required for contrast-enhanced CT, reducing patient discomfort and improving care efficiency.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Adverse Outcome Reduction, Patient Reported Experience Measures, Clinical Practice Improvement
About this Content
Aims
Evaluate necessity of 4-hour preparative fasting before IV contrast-enhanced CT scans.
Background
Preparative fasting was a standard practice but caused unnecessary discomfort and delays for patients.
Methods
Analyzed adverse effects among 2,665 patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT with and without fasting.
Results
Vomiting rates were negligible and similar between both groups; preparative fasting was deemed unnecessary for newer contrast media.
Conclusion
Preparative fasting is not required for contrast-enhanced CT, reducing patient discomfort and improving care efficiency.
Lessons Learnt
Eliminating fasting can enhance patient comfort without compromising safety or care quality.
Additional Information
SHM 2021 – Merit Award (Patient Experience Category).
Keywords
Patient Comfort, CT Scan, Preparative Fasting, Radiology
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Changi General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Singapore Healthcare Management Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Diagnostic Radiography, Radiology, Pulmonology |
Project Lead(s) | Khor Chen Chen |
Project Member(s) | Katherine Tiong Kai Qian |
Connect with this contributor!
Katherine Tiong Kai Qian - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg
Project Attachment
C498_CGH_SHM_2021_Is_preparative_fasting_of_4_hours_necessary_prior_to_IV.pdf