Enteral feeding: an overview of indications and techniques

Most patients requiring nutritional support can be successfully managed using enteral feeding, i.e. the provision of nutritional support via the gastrointestinal tract. Various routes of access are available and patients should be assessed on an individual basis by the multidisciplinary team to select the most appropriate method and decide on a suitable regimen. Careful management and regular monitoring of enteral feeding are required in order to ensure safe and cost-effective nutritional support; the use of standard protocols and guidelines is recommended. With appropriate training, monitoring and support, enteral feeding is best provided in the community for many patients, and the use of home enteral feeding is rapidly increasing.