Understanding the Need for Tools and Resources to Manage Enteral Nutrition Intolerance: An On-line Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Enteral nutrition intolerance (ENI) is a common complication among tube-fed patients, associated with reduced volumes of nutrition delivered, and may contribute to malnutrition risk. This research aimed to obtain insights about dietitians’ needs and preferences related to tools and resources to help identify and manage ENI. Methods: An online survey was administered to registered dietitians (RD) engaged in enteral nutrition (EN) management, recruited from a list of attendees at a national webinar. The 16-question survey asked about participant’s experience with ENI and interest in resources to manage ENI. Results: Of the 219 surveys completed (25% response rate), 86% identified ENI as an issue/concern that interferes with adequate nutrition or hydration for their patients. Ninety-seven percent reported being interested in having tools/resources to manage ENI. The symptoms identified as most pressing to manage were diarrhea (73%), bloating/abdominal discomfort (42%), and nausea (32%). Preferred types of tools were hard-copy resources (70%), algorithms (67%), and web-based instruments (62%). Conclusions: ENI remains an issue for clinicians working with tube-fed patients and RDs are interested in management tools. These results have implications for the development of evidence-based resources to help improve EN delivery and ultimately may contribute to clinician’s efforts at reducing malnutrition.