Methodology for the development of the ESPEN Guidelines on Enteral Nutrition

Under the auspices of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) clinical practice guidelines on enteral nutrition were systematically developed between spring 2004 and winter 2005 in a both evidence and consensus based process. A steering committee implemented 13 disease-specific working groups with a total of 88 experts in clinical nutrition from 20 countries. Evidence was gathered by conducting a structured literature search applying a defined search strategy, inclusion criteria and specified keywords. The quality and strength of the supporting evidence was then graded according to published standards. On this basis recommendations were spelled out which were not only based on the evidence levels of the studies but also on the judgement of the working groups concerning the consistency, clinical relevance and validity of the evidence. Preparation of the drafts was accomplished in interactive small group work processes. The voting of statements took place in a consensus conference and final refinements and voting were done using the Delphi technique. The ESPEN guidelines enteral nutrition reflect the current medical knowledge in the field of enteral nutrition therapy and summarize the evidence when enteral nutrition is indicated and which goals can be reached in regard to nutritional state, quality of life and outcome.