Facilitating preparation of modular enteral feedings: a time- and labor-saving method

The availability and use of modular enteral components for tube feeding has increased dramatically in recent years. The preparation of such modular feedings can be quite confusing to enteral formula preparation personnel, especially when several components are utilized. At Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, a policy of ordering modular feedings on the basis of the contribution of each component per 100 ml formula has been developed and adopted. The policy was adopted in order to reduce the amount of time the dietitian spends assisting the enteral formula aide with preparation of modular feedings, to maximize cost-effectiveness, and to provide the medical staff with standards by which to order modular feedings. Such standardization ensures accurate interpretation of the modular enteral formula order by the enteral nutrition aide. As the formula is changed in dilution or rate, the amounts of each component can be calculated with ease. The direct benefits of instituting this policy have been threefold: the medical staff consults with the clinical dietitians more frequently when ordering modular feedings; preparation and calculation time for modular feedings has decreased; and formula waste is reduced.