Enteral Nutrition in Intensive Care Units: Factors that Hinder Adequate Delivery

Enteral nutrition (EN) is the most efficient nutritional support (NS) method in the intensive care units (ICUs). It has gained popularity over other methods in terms of promoting patient's immunity and enhancing better clinical outcomes in addition to its cost effectiveness. However, delivery of EN remains inadequate due to interruptions for various reasons, some of which are avoidable. Frequent interruptions may impact provision of nutrients and therefore, patient's clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to identify factors that hinder the adequate delivery of EN in the ICUs. A descriptive research design was used. Fifty critically ill entirely fed patients were included in the study. The study was carried at Alexandria Main University Hospital ICUs. One tool was used to collect the data namely "Factors Impeding Adequate Delivery of Enteral Nutrition for Critically Ill Patient Assessment Tool". A significant discrepancy between required, prescribed and delivered nutrients was demonstrated during seven consecutive days from ICU admission. Unscheduled basic nursing procedures followed by gastrointestinal complications (GICs) were the most frequent reasons for EN interruption. While interruptions due to diagnostic procedures or airway management were the lowest frequent reasons for EN interruption. In conclusion, multiple factors have been caused inadequate delivery of EN in the current study. It is recommended to develop EN protocol and follow evidence-based EN practices to maximize the delivery of EN.