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Dietitians’ Attitudes and Experiences of Blended Tube Feeding in Paediatrics
K O’Sullivan1,2, M O’Sullivan3, S Quigley4
1School of Biological and Health Sciences, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
Insights
Blended tube feeding (BTF) is a growing practice among registered dietitians (RDs) in Ireland. RDs managing home enteral nutrition (HEN) patients often concurrently care for BTF patients, highlighting the need for enhanced community services and professional training.
Area of Science:
- Dietetics
- Clinical Nutrition
- Healthcare Practice
Background:
- Blended tube feeding (BTF) involves the use of real food ingredients in enteral formulas.
- Growing interest in BTF among patients and healthcare professionals.
- Limited data on the prevalence and practice of BTF among registered dietitians (RDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the number of RDs managing BTF patients, their work settings, and caseloads.
- To explore RDs' attitudes and experiences with BTF.
- To identify current BTF support systems and future resource needs for RDs.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to Irish RDs over one month.
- Data analysis included cross-tabulations and Mann-Whitney U tests.
- Qualitative free-text data was thematically analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of RDs (56.3%) concurrently managed BTF and home enteral nutrition (HEN) pediatric patients.
- Most RDs involved in BTF practice were based in tertiary hospitals.
- International guidelines were the primary resource, with professional training workshops being the preferred learning method.
Conclusions:
- Blended tube feeding is an emerging practice within dietetics.
- There is a clear need for improved community services, professional guidelines, and targeted training for RDs in BTF.
- Further research and resource development are required to support RDs in this evolving area.
Abstract:
Aims To examine; (a) the number of registered dietitians (RDs) with blended tube fed (BTF) patients, work setting and caseload; (b) attitudes and experiences towards BTF; (c) current BTF supports and future resources required. Methods An online survey collected information from Irish RDs over one month. Data was examined using cross-tabulations and Mann-Whitney U tests. Free-text was categorized into thematic domains. Results A significant number of RDs with HEN paediatric patients concurrently managed BTF patients (n = 27/48, 56.3%, p<0.05). The majority were based in tertiary hospitals (HEN; n = 20/48, 41.7%, BTF; n = 12/27, 44.4%). Equal numbers were willing to support BTF or on a patient-case basis (n = 36/77, 46.8%). International guidelines were most used to inform RDs (n = 40/69, 58.0%). Professional training workshops were the preferred learning method (n = 60/73, 82.2%). Conclusion Overall, BTF appears to be a growing practice. Community services, professional guidelines, training and information are needed.
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