Malnutrition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients affects disease progression and prolongs hospital stays. In this study, it was aimed to present the recommendations of clinical pharmacists in terms of nutrition in ICU patients.
This study was conducted in the ICU between November 2022 and January 2023. Clinical pharmacists provided nutritional advice to patients according to current guidelines. Basal energy expenditure was calculated using the Harris-Benedict formula, and the most appropriate nutritional product was selected for the patients. Descriptive analyses were performed with SPSS v27.0.
According to the reasons, the recommendation rates were categorized as feeding started (9,86%), feeding stopped (1,41%), feeding dose increased-reduced (28,17%), protein amount increased-reduced (35,21%), management of nutritional side effects (15,49%), and changes in administration (9,86%).
Enema (54.54%) for constipation, prokinetic metoclopramide (36.36%), and discontinuation of parenteral nutrition due to hyperglycemia (9.09%) were recommended for the management of nutrition-related side effects. Examples of suggestions and explanations made regarding the nutritional status of the patients were given.
In this study, recommendations were made for most ICU patients to eat more calories and protein. To avoid adverse effects, patients reached their calorie targets gradually. Clinical pharmacists can work with other healthcare professionals to prevent malnutrition-related problems.