J Hum Nutr Diet. 2023 Mar 22. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13170. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Treatment of medically compromised patients with eating disorders is difficult in general hospital wards. There is currently no consensus on the best feeding method, however previous research has demonstrated the safety of using enteral feeding. As an oral diet has benefits on psychological and behavioural pathways, concurrent feeding requires further investigation. This research aimed to examine acceptability and safety of implementing mini meals to a previously nil-by-mouth seven-day enteral feeding protocol. This was mixed methods research including a retrospective observational study and participant survey. Patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia between July 2020 and March 2021 were eligible. Eligible participants were provided mini meals from day five. Type and quantity of meals consumed alongside clinical incident data were collected. The survey examined acceptability of mini meals. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret findings. Content analyses were conducted on survey responses. Sixty-four participants (95% (n=57/60) female, 25.2±8.9 years, 75% (n=45/60) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa) were included. At least half of the participants consumed some or all of the mini meals at each meal period. No clinical incidents were reported. Twenty-six (50%, n=26/52) surveys were returned. Half (54%, n=14/26) agreed-strongly agreed that mini meals improved their experience. Eleven participants desired more choice in menu items. This study found that introducing mini meals into an enteral feeding protocol is acceptable and safe for patients with eating disorders. Participants reported benefits in returning to eating, however some items on the menu require reconsideration to enable increased consumption. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:36945998 | DOI:10.1111/jhn.13170
