Evaluation of current feeding practices in the critically ill: A retrospective chart review. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stewart, Melissa Lottes; Biddle, Martha; Thomas, Travis
• Is Part Of: Intensive and critical care nursing. Volume 38(2017)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Adult -- Critical care -- Critical illness -- Enteral nutrition -- Malnutrition -- Retrospective studies; Intensive care nursing -- Periodicals; Critical Illness -- nursing -- Periodicals; Intensive Care -- Periodicals; Nursing Care -- Periodicals; Intensive care nursing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2016.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-3397

Abstract

Summary: Background: Worldwide, malnutrition is an important issue in the care of the critically ill which is associated with increased costs of care and poor patient outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate the current state of enteral nutrition in the critically ill in the U.S. in comparison to international practices. Research methodology/design: A retrospective chart audit was performed utilising a 10% random sample of patients admitted to the Pulmonary Medicine Service at an academic medical center in the U.S. from 1/1/11 to 12/31/11. A total of 69 charts were audited. Outcome measures: Outcome measures included time to initiation of feeds, prescribed versus received protein and energy on day three, prokinetic use and markers of nutritional status. Results: Delayed time to feeding, greater than 48 hours after ICU admission, was present in 66.7% of the sample. On day three only 9% of the sample was receiving 80% or more of the prescribed protein or energy. These findings are similar to those found internationally. Conclusion: Critically ill patients continue to experience delays in enteral feeding initiation and are frequently not meeting nutrition targets. Interventions aimed at improving nutrition delivery in the intensive care unit should be a focus of quality care both in the U.S. and internationally.