Management and knowledge of enteral nutrition in intensive care units in a city in Belgium.
The administration of enteral nutrition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is largely managed by nurses. However, the degree of knowledge, interest, and training in this field can differ considerably among nurses and among ICUs. Such differences may lead to variations in the way in which enteral nutrition is used. To investigate these issues, a questionnaire survey was sent to the nursing staffs of 5 ICUs in Belgium. The response rate was 68%. Although theoretical knowledge of enteral nutrition was globally poor, its advantages over parenteral nutrition were usually known. Responses to questions related to practical issues associated with enteral feeding showed more institution-specific answers than interindividual differences.
Ista
Pascal
P
Department of Intensive Care, Centre Hospitalier Notre-Dame Reine Fabiola, Clinique Notre-Dame, 3 Grand'Rue, B-6000 Charleroi, Belgium.
Jassin
Sylvie
S
Noël
Françoise
F
Preiser
Jean-Charles
JC