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Nutrition in icu closed system nutrition benefits
1. Transition to Liquid Nutrition or
Ready-to-Hang Enteral Feeding
System
Evolving Nutritional Care for Critically Ill
Patients
2. Learning Objectives
• To understand the importance of
ready-to-hang EN as nutritional
support in the management of
critically ill patients
• To integrate evidence-based
principles into the decision-making
process
EN: Enteral nutrition.
4. Compromised GI Function in ICU Patients: Far More
Common Than We Believe
30%-
70%
of ICU patients have GI
dysfunction1
GI
dysfunction
occurs in
50% of MV
patients.1
01
02
03
04
Premorbid conditions (traumatic
brain injury)2
Ventilation mode1
Altered metabolic state
(inflammation, sepsis, circulating stress
hormones, gut hypoperfusion)2
ICU medications
(catecholamines, sedatives, opioids)3
1. Mutlu GM, et al. Chest. 2001;119:1222–1241. 2. Hill LT. S Afr J Crit Care. 2013;29(1):11-15.
3. Gungabissoon U, et al . JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2015;39(4):441-448.
GI: Gastrointestinal; Icu:Intensive
care unit
5. GI Dysfunction Coupled With Inadequate Intake of Nutrition
Leads to Malnourishment in ICU Patients
GI dysfunction significantly compromises the
delivery of enteral nutrition in ICU patients.1-4
GI dysfunction
Malabsorption
and intolerance
Calorie and
protein
malnutrition
74% of MV patients fail
to attain 80% of their
energy targets.2
1. Mutlu GM, et al. Chest. 2001;119:1222–1241. 2. Hill LT. S Afr J Crit Care. 2013;29(1):11-15. 3. Gungabissoon U, et al . JPEN J
Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2015;39(4):441-448. 4. Mentec H, et al. Crit Care Med. 2001;29(10):1955-1961.
GI: Gastrointestinal; MV:
Mechanically ventilated; ICU:
Intensive care unit.
6. Energy deficit or caloric
debt is associated with
adverse clinical
outcomes in critically ill
patients.
What is the impact of
balanced nutritional
intake in critically ill
patients with poor
nutritional status?
Discussion
7. Relationship Between Nutritional Intake and Clinical
Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients
Relationship between increasing calories/day and
60-day mortality, by BMI
Increased nutritional
intake is associated with
lower mortality rates and
increased ventilator-free
days in critically ill
patients with poor
nutritional status,
especially when BMI is
<25 or ≥35 kg/m2.
BMI: Body mass index.
Alberda C, et al. Intensive Care Med. 2009 Oct;35(10):1728-37.
8. Well-Documented Benefits of EN Over PN : ASPEN
Recommendations
ASPEN recommendations
Enteral nutrition is preferred over PN in the critically
ill patient requiring nutrition support therapy.1
Reduction in infectious morbidity (pneumonia and central
line infections, abdominal abscess)2-4
Significant reduction in hospital LOS, cost of nutrition therapy3
Good neurologic outcome (in patients with head injuries)5
Reduction in noninfective complications6
Mortality rates similar to PN7
EN: Enteral nutrition; PN: Parenteral nutrition;
ICU: Intensive care unit; ASPEN: American
Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
1. Taylor BE, et al. Critical Care Med. 2016;44(2):390-438. 2. Kudsk KA, et al. Ann Surg. 1992; 215:503–513. 3. Heyland DK, et al. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2003;
27:355–373. 4. Kalfarentzos F, et al. Br J Surg. 1997; 84:1665–1669. 5. Taylor SJ, et al. Crit Care Med. 1999; 27:2525–2531. 6. Peter JV, et al. Crit Care Med. 2005
33:213–220. 7. Gramlich L., et al. Nutrition. 2004;20: 843–848
9. Early Trophic EN Associated With Improved
Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients
Patient outcomes based on stratification of quantity of EN
In patients with
septic shock, those
receiving <600
kcal/d EN within 48
hours had better
clinical outcomes
(lower DOMS and
LOS) compared to
patients who did not
receive EN or those
who received ≥600
kcal/d.
Patel JJ, et al. J Intensive Care Med. 2016;31(7):471–7.
DOMV: Duration of mechanical ventilation;
LOS: Length of intensive care unit stay; IQR;
Interquartile range; EN: Enteral nutrition.
11. Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Content of Commercial and
Noncommercial Enteral Nutrition Solutions
Comparison of nutritional requirements and intake of patients fed
noncommercial and commercial EN
In patients receiving CENSs, nutrient adequacy ratio was significantly higher compared to
patients receiving NCENS (p<0.001).
EN: Enteral nutrition; CENSs: Commercial enteral nutrient
solutions; NCENSs: Noncommercial enteral nutrient
solutions.
Jolfaie NR, et al. Adv Biomed Res. 2017;6:131.
12. Can EN Feeds Get Contaminated With Microbes?
Sources of feed contamination
Feed ingredients
Administration systems and their designs
Mishandling during assembly of systems
Hygiene of facility
Enteral feeding fluid acts as a good medium for the exponential growth
of most foodborne organisms.
Jalali M, et al. J Res Med Sci. 2009;14(3):149–156.
EN: Enteral nutrition.
13. Bacterial Contamination of Noncommercial OR
Blenderized EN Feeds in Critical Care
The microbial quality of
blenderized enteral
feedings used in critical
care usually does not
meet the standards for
safety as suggested in
practice guidelines and
pose a substantial risk
for the development of
foodborne disease or
nosocomial infections.
Jalali M, et al. J Res Med Sci. 2009;14(3):149–156.
EN: Enteral nutrition.
Bacterial contamination of hospital-prepared tube feeding samples in three
intensive care units, at the time of food preparation and 18 hours after
preparation
14. How to reduce the risk of
bacterial contamination
in EN feeds, which form
an integral part of care in
critically ill patients
admitted to the ICU?
Discussion
EN: Enteral nutrition; ICU: Intensive care unit.
15. SECTION
Selecting the Right EN
Delivery System
What to
Consider When
Prescribing EN
in Critically Ill
Patients?—
Closed or Open
EN System?
EN:Enteral nutrition
3
16. Attributes to Be Considered When Choosing EN
Delivery System in Critically Ill Patients
Limitation of microbial
contamination of feeds
Maintenance of
nutritional
adequacy of
feeds
Ease of use
and
convenience for
nurses
Cost-
effectiveness
Sewify K, et al. J Nutr Food Sci. 2017;7:4.
EN:Enteral nutrition
17. Open vs. Closed/Ready-to-Hang Delivery System
Enteral delivery
systemOpen RTH
Manipulations
Hang time
Manipulations required
from time of feed
preparation to
administration
Manipulations are
minimal, as it is
available as a ready-to-
hang bag.
4 hours 24-48 hours
Nursing time
Consumes more
nursing time due to
more manipulations
Ease of use reduces
nursing time
Sewify K, et al. J Nutr Food Sci. 2017;7:4.
RTH: Ready-to-hang.
18. Beneficial Effects of Ready-to-Hang Delivery System
Ease of administration
Prolonged hang time
Reduced risk of nosocomial infections
Reduced healthcare cost
RTH improves the nutritional status of the patients and improves patient outcomes.
RTH: Ready-to-hang.
Sewify K, et al. J Nutr Food Sci. 2017;7:4.
20. Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and
community care
NICE:National Institute of Health and Care Excellence;
NCGC:National Clinical Guideline Centre
21. Guidelines Recommend Usage of Liquid
Nutrition(Ready-to-Hang) as preferred formulation
Commercially produced, pre-filled ready to hang feeds must be used
wherever possible as these are least likely to become contaminated during
preparation and use.
23. Bacterial Contamination Highest With OS Compared
to Closed/RTH Delivery Systems
Bacterial contamination in open and closed EN delivery systems
Closed delivery systems could be safely
used for up to 24 hours and are associated
with reduced bacterial contamination.
OS: Open system; CS:Closed
system; RTH:Ready-to-hang.
Wagner DR, et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1994;18(5):453-7.
24. Nutritional Adequacy Better Maintained With Closed
Feeding System Compared to OS
Comparison of average percent ordered volume of
formula received per patient in each enteral system
Average percent of formula received
compared to ordered volume per
patient in each enteral nutritional
delivery system
Patients receiving EN
through CS instead of OS
receive a higher
percentage of ordered
volume of formula and
thereby achieve
nutritional adequacy.
EN: Enteral nutrition; OS: Open
system; CS: Closed system.
Atkins A. MedSurg Matters. 2015:24(4)14-15.
25. Cost-Effectiveness of CS vs. OS in Acute Care
Setting
Comparison of average daily cost to feed adult patients in
each enteral system
CS formulas have a
higher contract price and
are associated with an
increased potential for
wasting of formula feed
compared to OS;
therefore, a higher daily
average cost may be
incurred by switching
from OS to CS. However,
CS is more cost-effective
when nursing time is
taken into consideration.
CS: Closed system; OS: Open system.
Phillips W, et al. Nutr Clin Pract. 2013 ;28(4):510-4.
26. Reduced Nursing Time With CS Compared to OS
Total daily nursing time in OS and CS delivery systems
Management of open delivery
system of EN consumed almost
twice as much nursing time daily as
the closed system with
supplemental protein flush
(36.6±17.1 min vs. 18.6±3.6 min;
p=.051).
CS: Closed system; OS: Open system; EN:
Enteral nutrition.
Luther H, et al. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2003;24(3):167-72
27. Closed vs. Open Delivery System: Ease of Use
With regard to ease of use ,
the majority of nurses
(87.5%) preferred the closed
system over the open system.
Ease of use of closed and open delivery systems
Luther H, et al. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2003;24(3):167-72
29. Tube Feeding Contamination Risk in Home Care Settings
Many issues need to be addressed when assessing risk of contamination in home care
Ready-to-hang liquid nutrition reduces
chances of contamination in home care setting
30. Improved Compliance with RTH Liquid Nutrition
Ready-to-hang liquid nutrition improves
compliance in home care by 20%
31. Key Messages
Early initiation of enteral nutrition in
critically ill patients is associated
with improved clinical outcomes.
Noncommercial EN feeds are more
prone to bacterial contamination and
thereby increase the risk of
nosocomial infections.
Ready-to-hang closed EN systems
are sterile, easy to handle, deliver
adequate nutrients and, thereby,
improve the nutritional status of
patients.
EN: Enteral nutrition.
Editor's Notes
Welcome to this presentation entitled, “Transition to Liquid Nutrition or Ready-to-Hang Enteral Feeding System: Evolving Nutritional Care for Critically Ill Patients.”
By the end of the module, you will be able to:
Understand the importance of ready-to-hang EN as nutritional support in the management of critically ill patients and
Integrate evidence-based principles into the decision-making process
In this section, we will discuss the importance of nutrition in critically ill patients.
Mechanical ventilation can contribute to several gastrointestinal (GI) complications, although it is not clear whether there is a direct causal relationship between mechanically ventilated (MV) and GI complications. The slide shows GI complications and their prevalence in mechanically ventilated patients.1
References
Mutlu GM, Mutlu EA, Factor P. GI Complications in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Chest. 2001;119:1222–1241.
Hill LT. Gut dysfunction in the critically ill − Mechanisms and clinical implications. S Afr J Crit Care. 2013;29(1):11-15.
Gungabissoon U, Hacquoil K2, Bains C, et al. Prevalence, risk factors, clinical consequences, and treatment of enteral feed intolerance during critical illness. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2015;39(4):441-448.
Impaired GI function is associated with malabsorption and intolerance, which in turn can cause calorie and protein malnutrition. Poor clinical outcomes associated with GI dysfunction and intolerance are as follows:1-4
High mortality rates
High risk of infectious complications
Longer ICU stay
Reduced nutritional adequacy
References
Mutlu GM, Mutlu EA, Factor P. GI Complications in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Chest. 2001;119:1222–1241.
Hill LT. Gut dysfunction in the critically ill − Mechanisms and clinical implications. S Afr J Crit Care. 2013;29(1):11-15.
Gungabissoon U, Hacquoil K2, Bains C, et al. Prevalence, risk factors, clinical consequences, and treatment of enteral feed intolerance during critical illness. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2015;39(4):441-448.
Mentec H, Dupont H, Bocchetti M, et al. Upper digestive intolerance during enteral nutrition in critically ill patients: Frequency, risk factors, and complications. Crit Care Med. 2001;29(10):1955-1961.
Energy deficit or caloric debt is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.
What is the impact of balanced nutritional intake in critically ill patients?
Evidence suggests that inadequate nutritional intake and a calorie deficit results in poor clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Patients with poor nutritional, as demonstrated by low body mass index, are at increased risk of adverse effects from underfeeding; or benefit the most from receiving an increased nutritional intake, in the forms of protein and energy. In this regard, in a study, the relationship between the amount of energy and protein administered and clinical outcomes, and the extent to which pre-morbid nutritional status influenced this relationship, was evaluated. In this observational cohort study, nutritional practices in 167 intensive care units across 37 countries were assessed. The type and amount of nutrition received by these patients were recorded daily for 12 days. The study involved 2772 mechanically ventilated patients who received 1034 kcal/day and 47g protein/day. These critically ill patients were followed up prospectively to determine 60-day mortality and ventilator-free days. Body mass index was used as a marker to evaluate nutritional status. The study noted that an increase in calorie intake was associated with lower mortality rates and with increased ventilator-free days in critically ill patients with poor nutritional status, with a BMI <25 or ≥35 kg/m2.
Reference
Alberda C, Gramlich L, Jones N, et al. The relationship between nutritional intake and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: results of an international multicenter observational study. Intensive Care Med. 2009 Oct;35(10):1728-37.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guidelines suggest that enteral nutrition should be preferred over PN in the critically ill patient requiring nutrition support therapy.1 Some of the well-documented benefits of EN over PN are as follows:
Reduction in infectious morbidity (pneumonia and central line infections, abdominal abscess)2-4
Significant reduction in hospital LOS, cost of nutrition therapy3
Good neurological outcomes (in patients with head injuries)5
Reduction in noninfective complications6
Mortality rates similar to PN7
References
Taylor BE, McClave SA, Martindale RG, et al. Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.). Critical Care Med. 2016;44(2):390-438.
Kudsk KA, Croce MA, Fabian TC, et al. Enteral versus parenteral feeding: Effects on septic morbidity after blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. Ann Surg. 1992;215:503–513.
Heyland DK, Dhaliwal R, Drover JW, et al. Canadian Critical Care Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee: Canadian clinical practice guidelines for nutrition support in mechanically ventilated, critically ill adult patients. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2003;27:355–373.
Kalfarentzos F, Kehagias J, Mead N, et al. Enteral nutrition is superior to parenteral nutrition in severe acute pancreatitis: Results of a randomized prospective trial. Br J Surg. 1997;84:1665–1669.
Taylor SJ, Fettes SB, Jewkes C, et al. Prospective, randomized, controlled trial to determine the effect of early enhanced enteral nutrition on clinical outcome in mechanically ventilated patients suffering head injury. Crit Care Med. 1999;27:2525–2531.
Peter JV, Moran JL, Phillips-Hughes J. A metaanalysis of treatment outcomes of early enteral versus early parenteral nutrition in hospitalized patients. Crit Care Med. 2005:33:213–220.
Gramlich L, Kichian K, Pinilla J, et al. Does enteral nutrition compared to parenteral nutrition result in better outcomes in critically ill adult patients? A systematic review of the literature. Nutrition. 2004;20:843–848.
In a retrospective study, the correlation between early initiation of tropic EN and clinical outcomes was assessed in mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock. The study included 60 patients, of whom 15 received no EN within 48 hours of ICU admission. In all, 37 patients received <600 kcal/d within 48 hours of admission and 14 patients received 600 kcal/d within 48 hours of admission. The median LOS was 5 days, 13 days, and 12 days for patients receiving <600 kcal/day, ≥600 kcal/day, and no EN, respectively (p<0.001). The median DOMV was 3, 7.5, and 7 for patients receiving <600 kcal/ day, ≥600 kcal/day, and no EN, respectively (p<0.001). The mortality rate did not differ between groups. Patients with septic shock receiving <600 kcal/day EN within 48 hours demonstrated lower DOMV and LOS compared to those who did not receive EN or those receiving ≥600 kcal/day.
Reference
Patel JJ, Kozeniecki M, Biesboer A, et al. Early Trophic enteral nutrition is associated with improved outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock: A retrospective review. J Intensive Care Med. 2016;31(7):471–7.
In this section, we will discuss the right EN formula for critically ill patients.
The nutritional quality of enteral nutrition is very important, as nutritional support plays a major role in the management of critically ill patients. In this regard, in a cross-sectional study, the nutritional quality of noncommercial and commercial feeds was assessed. The amount of energy and nutrients delivered and required in these patients was analyzed. The study included 150 patients fed noncommercial enteral nutrition solutions (NCENSs) and 120 patients fed commercial enteral nutrition solutions (CENSs). The values of energy and macronutrients delivered in patients who were administeted CENSs was higher compared to patients who were administered NCENS(p<0.001) . The nutrient adequacy ratio and also the mean adequacy ratio were significantly higher in patients receiving CENSs compared to patients receiving NCENSs (p<0.001).
Reference
Jolfaie NR, Rouhani MH, Mirlohi M, et al. Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Contents of Commercial and Noncommercial Enteral Nutrition Solutions. Adv Biomed Res. 2017;6:131.
Enteral feeding formulas can get contaminated at several points, including during preparation, storage, and administration of the feeds. The main sources of enteral feed contamination include: the feed ingredients; administration systems and their designs; mishandling during assembly of systems; and inadequate cleanliness of equipment, the kitchen, and the ward environment.
Reference
Jalali M, Sabzghabaee AM, Badri SS, et al. Bacterial contamination of hospital-prepared enteral tube feeding formulas in Isfahan, Iran. J Res Med Sci. 2009 May-Jun;14(3):149–156.
In a study, the microbial quality of hospital-prepared blenderized enteral feeds used in critical care was assessed to analyze the safety of these feeds. In the study, 76 samples, each at the time of preparation and 18 hours following preparation, were collected. Standard plate count, coliform count, and Staphylococcus aureus count were conducted for all samples. Samples were also analyzed for the presence of Salmonella species and Listeria species. The study findings, as shown in the on-screen table, suggested that the microbial quality of the samples was not in line with safety standards recommended by the guidelines. The study results suggested that hospital-prepared enteral feeds are not safe and pose a substantial risk for the development of foodborne disease or nosocomial infection.
Reference
Jalali M, Sabzghabaee AM, Badri SS, et al. Bacterial contamination of hospital-prepared enteral tube feeding formulas in Isfahan, Iran. J Res Med Sci. 2009 May-Jun;14(3):149–156.
How to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination in EN feeds, which form an integral part of care in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU?
In this section, we will discuss the benefits of closed EN system compared to open EN system of delivery, in critically ill patients.
When considering an EN delivery system for critically ill patients, certain attributes need to be taken into consideration:
Limitation of microbial contamination of feeds
Maintenance of nutritional adequacy of feeds
Ease of use for nurses
Cost-effectiveness of the feeds
Reference
Sewify K, Genena D. Open versus closed tube feeding in critically ill patients-Which is the best? J Nutr Food Sci. 2017;7:4.
Enteral feeds could be delivered to critically ill patients with the aid of an open or closed delivery system. The closed EN delivery system is also referred to as ready-to-hang delivery system. Let us understand the differences between open and closed delivery systems. The open system includes ready-to-use cans and powdered or sterilized formulas that require reconstitution with water. This system involves many manipulations, in terms of selection of ingredients, reconstitution of the mixture with water, storage or transport of the feed, transfer to the container, assembly of the feeding system, and finally administration of the feed. Recommended hang time for these mixtures is 4 hours. This system consumes more nursing time.
The other preferred EN delivery system is the ready-to-hang system. This is a completely closed non-air-dependent collapsible bag system requiring minimal handling and minimal manipulations, with a recommended hang time of 24 to 48 hours. The ease of use associated with this system reduces nursing time and is also safe, due to a minimal risk of contamination.
Reference
Sewify K, Genena D. Open versus closed tube feeding in critically ill patients-Which is the best? J Nutr Food Sci. 2017;7:4.
In this slide, let us summarize the beneficial effects of ready-to-hang delivery system as compared to open system. Owing to minimal handling and minimal manipulations, the RTH system is associated with a reduced risk of nosocomial infections. Ease of administration reduces the nursing time. Although each unit of RTH is more expensive compared to the open delivery system, due to reduced nursing time, this system significantly reduces healthcare expenditure.
Reference
Sewify K, Genena D. Open versus closed tube feeding in critically ill patients-Which is the best? J Nutr Food Sci. 2017;7:4.
Does guideline recommends use of ready-to-hang EN formulas as nutritional support in critically ill patients?
The NICE guidelines recommends use of pre-packaged, ready-to-use feeds in preference to feeds requiring decanting, reconstitution or dilution. According to the guidelines, the system selected should require minimal handling to assemble, and to be compatible with the patients enteral feeding tube.
Guidelines recommend use of commercially produced, pre-filled ready to hang feeds to be used wherever possible as these are least likely to become contaminated during preparation and use.
In this section, we will discuss improved clinical outcomes following transition to ready-to-hang enteral feeding systems, with evidence from clinical trials.
In a study, the quantitative factors, such as preparation time, waste, and contamination, associated with three different feeding systems for peptide-based diets were analyzed. Critically ill patients admitted to the ICU were randomized to receive a peptide-based diet in 1500 mL prefilled delivery systems including:
Sterile closed-system containers (CS) infused for more than 24 hours
Open systems decanted from cans (OS-Can)
Open systems mixed from powder (OS-Powder)
Samples were taken for culture during preparation and after infusion. Preparation time, initial and final microbial concentrations, and total waste were quantified. The study noted that preparation time was significantly shorter for CS than for OS-Can or for OS-Powder (2 minutes vs. 7.5 minutes vs. 13.0 minutes) and that bacterial contamination was highest in the open delivery system.
Reference
Wagner DR, Elmore MF, Knoll DM, et al. Evaluation of "closed" vs "open" systems for the delivery of peptide-based enteral diets. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1994 Sep-Oct;18(5):453-7.
Appropriate nutrition delivery is very important for critically ill patients. In this regard, in a study, the nutritional adequacy of EN feeds delivered via OS and CS was assessed in terms of the volume of feeds received by patients. The study collected retrospective data on patients who had received EN through OS. Prospective data included patients who were receiving feeds through CS. In the study, a total of 325 feeding days of 30 patients were analyzed who received formula via OS, as were and 237 feeding days of 30 adults receiving formula via CS. The study noted that patients receiving formula through OS received an average of 74% of ordered volume and that patients receiving formula through CS received an average of 84% of ordered volume.
Reference
Atkins A. Delivery of enteral nutrition improved after transition to closed enteral feeding system. MedSurg Matters. 2015:24(4)14-15.
From the slides discussed, it is evident that the closed delivery system has several clinical benefits compared to the open system. However, the cost of potential waste associated with CS is a major concern; and in this context, in a study, the economic impact of switch from OS to CS was analyzed. In the study, when the average daily cost was calculated using delivered EN formula as a measure, OS was found to be more cost-effective. When the average daily cost was calculated considering both delivered volume and wasted formula, OS was found to be more cost-effective compared to CS. However, when nursing time was taken into consideration for calculating the average daily cost, CS was found to be more cost-effective.
Reference
Phillips W, Roman B, Glassman K. Economic impact of switching from an open to a closed enteral nutrition feeding system in an acute care setting. Nutr Clin Pract. 2013 Aug;28(4):510-4.
In a study, the time required for nurses for managing both delivery systems in critically ill patients was assessed. Timing for the closed system feeding took into consideration the following tasks: procuring a new feeding container, spiking and hanging the new bottle, and restarting the pump. The timing considered for the open system included the following: securing the mixed formula from the refrigerator, correctly rinsing and flushing the feeding bag and the tubing, addition of 4-hour supply feeding to the bag, and priming and restarting the pump. The study noted that management of open delivery system of EN consumed almost twice as much nursing time daily as the closed system with supplemental protein flush (36.6±17.1 min vs. 18.6±3.6 min; p=0.051).
Reference
Luther H, Barco K, Chima C, et al. Comparative study of two systems of delivering supplemental protein with standardized tube feedings. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2003 May-Jun;24(3):167-72; discussion 166.
In the study, nurses were provided a questionnaire to detail their perceptions on the ease of use of the two delivery systems; the majority of nurses (87.5%) preferred the closed system over the open system.
Reference
Luther H, Barco K, Chima C, et al. Comparative study of two systems of delivering supplemental protein with standardized tube feedings. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2003 May-Jun;24(3):167-72; discussion 166.
In this section, we will discuss the benefits of ready-to-hang liquid nutrition in home care settings.
Risk of contamination of enteral feedings delivered via tubes, is high in home care settings. Several issues needs to be addressed when assessing risk of contamination in home care settings. The issues that needs to be addressed are listed in the on-screen table. Evidence suggests that ready-to-hang liquid nutrition, is effective in reducing the chances of contamination in the home care settings.
In home care settings, as in hospital set-up, the modular feeds were significantly more contaminated at the start of administration with over 75% of feeds contaminated compared with 28% of ready-to-use feeds. This significant difference was maintained by the end of administration when all modular feeds were contaminated compared with nearly two thirds of ready-to-use feeds.
To summarize,
Early initiation of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Noncommercial EN feeds are more prone to bacterial contamination and thereby increase the risk of nosocomial infections.
Ready-to-hang closed EN systems are sterile, easy to handle, deliver adequate nutrients and, thereby, improve the nutritional status of patients.