Home enteral feeding part 1: an overview

Abstract

Preventing or reducing malnutrition using nutritional support is proven to be effective both clinically and financially. The continuation of enteral tube feeding in the community continues to grow and the population are an increasingly elderly and disabled group, with the majority living in their own homes and requiring some or total help with their enteral tube feeding. Part 1 of this two-part article looks at some of the key aspects in the management of patients in the community, including routine monitoring, the administration of feed and medications and management of the various tubes. Part 2 will discuss some of the current areas of controversy/debate, including the use of syringes, water type, feed hanging times and confirmation of nasogastric tube position in patients on acid reducing therapy.