What's new on defining diarrhea in tube-feeding studies?
Nurses who are involved in studies of tube feeding tolerance or who review the literature on this topic are confronted with a myriad of definitions and methods of reporting diarrhea. In a 1992 study, the authors reported that these definition differences influenced results. In a review of the current literature, they determined that little progress had been made toward standardizing definitions and reports of diarrhea in studies of tube feeding. A secondary analysis of stool characteristics of hospitalized patients using various definitions of diarrhea showed there was a positive association between stool frequency and consistency. Criteria for stool consistency in the definitions of diarrhea appeared to have a greater influence on diarrhea outcomes when stool frequency was low. The authors suggest recognition of a taxonomy of definitions of diarrhea in the absence of consensus, which will help guide the design of future investigations and facilitate the evaluation and utilization of research.
Lebak
Kelly J
KJ
University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, USA.
Bliss
Donna Zimaro
DZ
Savik
Kay
K
Patten-Marsh
Kathleen M
KM
D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors