Improving pre-procedural fluid management
‘Sip Til Send’ is a global initiative, allowing patients to consume small volumes of water (or similar clear liquids) if thirsty, up until they are called to the operating theatre.
The national ‘Sip Til Send’ guidance forms part of the Commission’s program of work to support the safe, appropriate and sustainable use of intravenous (IV) fluids across hospital settings.
‘Sip Til Send’ benefits
Allowing patients to sip clear liquids can significantly reduce fluid fasting times and help improve patient well-being by:
- maintaining hydration
- decreasing light-headedness and anxiety
- decreasing the feelings of thirst
- reducing the incidence of nausea and vomiting
- reducing the subsequent need for IV fluids.
National ‘Sip Til Send’ guidance
The Commission has developed national guidance on Improving pre-procedural fluid management: Using the practice of ‘Sip Til Send’. The guidance has been informed by a literature review and environmental scan and developed with expert clinical oversight and stakeholder input. It is accompanied by implementation resources to support local adoption by health service organisations.
Local implementation of ‘Sip Til Send’
Health service organisations can use the guidance to:
- plan and implement 'Sip Til Send' where it is not currently in place
- review and strengthen existing pre procedural oral liquid intake practices.
National 'Sip Til Send' fact sheet
Implementation support resources for local adoption
- ‘Sip Til Send’ implementation guide
- Poster for clinicians
- Slide deck for clinician education
- Patient information leaflet
Additional resources
- Safer Care Victoria: Sip Til Send fluid fasting guidance
- Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Health: FACT SHEET – Preoperative fasting
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Fasting for general anaesthesia
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead: Fasting guideline for children having general anaesthesia
- Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
- Conservation strategies and safety considerations during intravenous (IV) fluids supply disruption