Dietitians' development of an enteral nutrition management package

Several dietitians at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, examined current hospital practices in enteral feeding and defined three major areas of concern that are known to influence the management of enterally-fed patients. These concerns deal with physicians' perceptions, nursing management and cost. In order to address these concerns and consequently improve the management of enterally-fed patients, an Enteral Nutrition Management Package consisting of an order form, flow sheet and monitoring record was developed. The package provides standardized guidelines for enterally-fed patients and emphasizes the need for monitoring patients' clinical progress. The usefulness of the package is dependent upon the participation of every member of the health care team including the physician, nurse and dietitian. The development of the package is the result of initiative taken by clinical dietitians in addressing patient care concerns in enteral nutrition within a multidisciplinary system.