Home enteral feeding: part 2 current issues in community practice

Part 1 provided an overview of enteral tube feeding and management in the community. Due to the limited evidence base there are many aspects of the practical management of patients on home enteral tube feeding (HETF) that has as yet not been standardized, particularly around issues such as the type of syringes and water that should be used in HETF. There are also some areas where the guidelines are clear but difficult to apply in the community (such as with maximum feed 'hanging times') or where further guidance is required (such as for confirming the position of nasogastric tubes in patients on acid-reducing therapy). Finally, as NHS trusts look at further ways to save money, enteral feeding is being increasingly scrutinised and needs to be carefully managed, with the involvement of healthcare professionals who understand patient needs and the commercial HETF market. This article is based on personal views and local discussions about the issues in question and, until further research and national standards are available, are subject to local interpretation.