Patients using home enteral nutrition in Ireland: Training, complications and satisfaction

Abstract

support. The documented prevalence of malnutrition in patients with chronic disease ranged from 7%-15%, and of these, 18%-34% were prescribed nutrition support (see Table 1).This is the largest survey of GP records to assess recording of malnutrition and prescription of ONS and other enteral nutrition support in adults with chronic conditions in the UK. Malnutrition was common in the chronic conditions, but overall prevalence was lower than previously reported in GP practices [4], possibly due to under-reporting by GPs, lack of screening for malnutrition, or the malnutrition criteria used (i.e. lower BMI cut off). The data in the GP database also suggests under-treatment of patients with malnutrition as more than two thirds did not receive a prescription for nutrition support, although the use of other dietary strategies/dietetic intervention could not be assessed. Further research is required to more clearly elucidate the prevalence, detection and management of malnourished patients with chronic diseases in GP practice, in the UK.

Perceived needs of patients and family caregivers regarding home-based enteral nutritional therapy in South Africa: A qualitative study

“…Evidence shows that, following discharge, there is insufficient information and support for patients and family caregivers to assist in nutritional therapy management, despite its widespread use [7,8]. This is in spite of enteral nutritional therapy (EN) having positive effects on the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients and the capacity to have a transformative effect on patient and family life in the primary health care setting [9,10].…”