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A multidisciplinary QA program for enteral nutrition in high-risk patients
1Booth Memorial Medical Center, Flushing, NY.
Journal of Quality Assurance : a Publication of the National Association of Quality Assurance Professionals
|June 8, 1991
Summary
Complications with nasogastric feeding tubes, including lung perforation and aspiration pneumonia, necessitate improved medical management and education for high-risk patients receiving enteral nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Patient Safety
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Increasing use of nasogastric feeding tubes in elderly and critically ill patients.
- Identified complications with small bore, weight-tipped feeding tubes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the enteral nutrition program due to feeding tube complications.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with nasogastric feeding tube use.
Main Methods:
- Multidisciplinary peer review committee (MPRC) formation.
- Literature review of potential complications.
- Patient studies on high-risk populations and product evaluation.
- Establishment of a credentialing process for feeding tube placement.
Main Results:
- Identified complications: lung perforation, aspiration pneumonia, and product failure.
- High-risk patients for misplacement include unconscious, incubated, ventilated patients.
- Evaluation of various feeding tube products across ICUs.
Conclusions:
- Need for improved medical management in enteral feeding.
- Importance of ongoing education for administering enteral nutrition to high-risk patients.
- Policy and procedure changes recommended for enhanced patient safety.