A re-audit to evaluate the use of nutrition screening tool in the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Abstract

size it was. 58(82%) patients used their tube to administer medication daily. Volume of water used to flush the EFT after feed, before medication and between medications was varied, 15 of 21 paediatric and 9 of 49 adult respondents did not flush the tube before medication administration. Analgesics, proton pump inhibitors and laxatives were the most commonly administered medication. Omeprazole and lansoprazole were most commonly associated with tube blockage, this was reported by 11(58%) of the 19 patients taking these medication. 8 patients reported crushing tablets, 10 patients reported mixing medication together prior to administration. Patients were most likely to seek advice regarding medicines from their hospital doctor or GP, generally seeking information from one or more sources. 5 respondents specifically commented on the lack of knowledge by health care professionals about this route of administration. This small study reveals that practical aspects of drug administration by patients with EFTs in the community are varied and there is a risk of tube blockage due to inappropriate medication formulation use. Consistent guidance is required for patients and carers to avoid variation in administration practices and prevent crushing inappropriate formulations and mixing medications. Improved access to guidance is required for GPs when prescribing for patients who require medication to be administered via their EFT.