Introduction 

A Sip Til Send policy has recently been introduced in  the Royal Infirmary of

Edinburgh obstetric  unit for  patients undergoing elective caesarean section.

It has been shown that prolonged fasting leads to increased patient

discomfort and post operative nausea and vomiting1. Sip Til Send allows

patients to drink 170ml of water per hour until attending theatre and was

successfully commenced in NHS Tayside to improving patient comfort2.  

Aims

information regarding the policy

3.   Assess patients’ compliance with Sip Til Send 

Methods 

In July 2022, questionnaires were used to assess patients’ knowledge of 

Sip Til Send policy (n=10).

Interventions

Repeat patient questionnaires were completed in September (n=8) and

November 2022 (n=10).  

Following the interventions, patient awareness of the Sip Til Send policy increased from 30% to 100% (Figure 1). There was an increase in proportion of those given information from 10% to 100% (Figure 2). Compliance with the policy increased from 70% to 100% (Figure 3), reporting of unpleasant symptoms decreased and patients’ qualitative feedback was very positive (Figure 4).  

Discussion 

This project shows how well the Sip Til Send policy has been embedded in our unit. Staff education sessions and poster distribution were effective means of increasing patient concordance.

Future work

Work is currently ongoing to improve written Sip Til Send policy information provided for patients antenatally. This, combined with education for community midwives, is anticipated to further improve patient care.