Enteral nutrition and medication administration practices of nurses in a low-resource acute setting

Abstract

Background: Despite the presence of evidence-based policies and guidelines, and in line with lingering issues in resource availability in low-income settings, inconsistencies are still being documented in the provision of adequate nutritional support and medication administration via the enteral route. Aims: The study aimed to, first, describe the practices of nurses in enteral nutrition and medication administration in the context of a low-resource setting and, second, explore the factors that are associated with the performance of such practices. Methods: The study used a descriptive correlational design. Quota sampling of nurses (n=138) working in wards and intensive care units of a tertiary hospital for adult patients requiring enteral nutritional support was performed. Enteral feeding and medication practices were assessed using a self-report survey. Ethical approval was obtained from an institutional review board. Findings: The majority of nurses correctly identified X-ray as the gold standard for determining tube placement (58.5%). However, only 13.5% correctly identified air insufflation as an unreliable method. Scores on knowledge and skills on enteral feeding and medication were found to have a significant, strong positive correlation (r=0.855, p<0.01). Conclusions: Strengthening of knowledge on standards of enteral nutrition and medication practices may improve the performance of the skill in actual bedside practice. Addressing documented gaps in practices and standards may have an impact on the provision of safe and quality nursing care.