title: Comparative study of two systems of delivering supplemental protein with standardized tube feedings.
abstract: Burn patients often require protein supplementation for their nutritional support. Although these are often added to a commercial formula, published standards recommend a 4-hr hang time for manipulated open-system formulas in comparison with 24 hr for unopened closed systems. We hypothesized that use of standard closed-system formulas with the addition of protein flushes via the feeding tube twice daily would reduce nursing time and increase satisfaction. A pilot study included a time study comparing the two methods and a nursing satisfaction questionnaire. Management of an open system consistent with national standards took almost twice as much nursing time daily as the closed system with supplemental protein flushes (36.6 +/- 17.1 min vs 18.6 +/- 3.6 min; P =.051). Sixteen of 17 nurses preferred the closed system with protein flush. The results of this study were used to support expansion of the protocol change throughout the hospital.
authors.affiliation: MetroHealth Medical Center Campus of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA.
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Luther
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barco
authors.forename: Cinda
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chima
authors.forename: Charles J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Yowler
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005526:Food, Formulated / Q000382:microbiology / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000592:standards; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins