Journal of Clinical Anesthesia and Research
- ISSN: 2577-3003
Oiva Nekongo, Justa Davids and Joseph Galukeni Kadhila
Background: Enteral feed is described as the delivering of food, in the form of liquid directly into the stomach or Gastro intestinal tract. Consequently, if nutritional support is not properly taken care of it can lead to a high morbidity. Therefore, interventions to prevent malnutrition due to underfeeding in the ICU must target the underlying causes.
Methodology: This study explored the critical care nurses’ perception on early initiation of enteral feeding in the intensive care unit. A Qualitative exploratory descriptive research design was employed. Six participants were purposefully sampled. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with the help of semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed thematically.
Results: Four themes emerged from data analysis process and they were. Majority of the participants indicated that doctors are the ones that are responsible for initiating enteral feed to patients with the assistance of the dieticians. Secondly, the majority of participant lack knowledge and understanding with regard to the target time and nutritional support wherein the enteral feeds should be commenced or initiated in critically sick and mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU.
Conclusion: Enteral feed is paramount in the in critically care unit because it contributes to the recovery of patients