Background
Malnutrition is a common problem in intensive care units (ICUs), often caused by interruptions in enteral nutrition (EN).
Aim of the Study
This study looked at how often EN interruptions happen, why they occur, and how they affect patient nutrition in the ICU.
Study Design
This analysis involved 1,331 ICU patients who were receiving total enteral nutrition for at least 72 hours. The main causes of EN interruptions were:
- Feeding intolerance
- Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
- Other reasons
Researchers examined how EN interruptions impacted nutritional intake.
Results
About 18.6% of patients experienced at least one EN interruption. The most common cause was diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Patients with interruptions had lower energy and protein intake compared to those without interruptions.
Conclusions
The study found that EN interruptions significantly reduce the nutritional intake of critically ill patients, which can worsen their condition.
Clinical Practice Relevance
Nurses in critical care should develop strong nutrition support protocols and enhance training for staff. This will help prevent EN interruptions and improve patient outcomes in the ICU.
Opportunities for Improvement
Based on the trial data, clinics can:
- Set measurable goals to reduce EN interruptions.
- Choose AI tools that fit specific clinical needs.
- Implement step-by-step strategies, starting with pilot projects to track results.
Contact for AI Solutions
For AI solutions in medical management, reach out to us:
- Telegram: https://t.me/itinai
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