Aim: To investigate the nursing practice of fasting patients before surgery.
Method: A descriptive research design was used. The instrument used was a structured interview schedule based on that of Hung (1992). A random sample of 20 nurses was selected for the study.
Results: The findings indicated that patients fast for longer periods than research suggests is necessary. The communication between the operating theatre and the wards was found to be reasonably good in relation to notification about delays or alterations in the operating lists. However, half of the respondents did not give patients anything to eat or drink if a delay occurred.
Conclusion: Ritualistic practice prevailed and there was a lack of application of research findings. There was general agreement about the need for change, but resistance to change was a major problem. This study has implications for nursing practice, education and administration.