Enteral nutrition in critically ill adults: Literature review of protocols

Managing nutrition in critically ill patients is an important intervention to promote healing. It is unknown whether the implementation of a protocol that guides enteral nutrition (EN) support is effective in improving the outcomes of critically ill patients. Furthermore, it is unknown whether a nurse-driven protocol is more or less effective than a protocol not managed by nurses.

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the current state of the science regarding evidence-based protocols for the administration and management of EN in critically ill patients.

Studies were identified by searching the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus database for the terms "enteral nutrition AND nursing." Studies with EN protocols for adult, critically ill patients published since 2011 were included. Studies without a protocol and those pertaining to paediatric, disease-specific, medical-surgical, or community-based populations were excluded. A total of 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified.

Defining and implementing both early initiation of EN and adequate titration to goal are important for achieving the maximum nutritional advantage. The highest benefit is also derived from identifying and delivering an individualized caloric and/or protein goal. A protocol increases standardization of practice in relation to these themes as well as the management of gastric residual volume, complications, and potentially for managing feeding interruptions. Because of the significant effects of nursing care on nearly all aspects of the management and delivery of EN, a nurse-driven protocol may yield higher compliance and greater effectiveness than a protocol that is not nurse driven.

Nurses are at the forefront of EN administration, although interprofessional collaboration remains paramount. Current practice must align with the best practice in the development and implementation of an EN protocol.