An investigation on nurses’ competencies and practices regarding enteral tube medication administration: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: understanding how healthcare professionals correctly administer medications through enteral routes is necessary to reduce patient morbidity and mortality. The study’s objective is to evaluate nurses’ competencies and management methods in administering oral medications to hospitalized patients who have enteral feeding tubes. Materials and Methods: an observational cross-sectional study involving nurses employed at the University Hospital for at least six months. A survey consisting of 16 questions related to medication dilution, pharmaceutical form management, and enteral medication administration techniques was administered. Results: a total of 218 nurses were recruited, with a mean age of 30.95 years (SD 6.15), of whom 132 (60.5%) were female, and 173 (78.9%) held a bachelor’s degree. Approximately half of the responses (49.3%) were incorrect. Conclusions: nurses should improve their knowledge regarding enteral medication administration. Nurses are responsible for pharmacological management, and their level of knowledge directly impacts the health and safety of these patients. Therefore, specific training addressing the identified gaps would be appropriate.