Eustace Kathleen, Cole Lillian, Hollaway Lauren
Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Paragon Home Infusion, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2021 Nov;45(8):1755-1761. doi: 10.1002/jpen.2069. Epub 2021 Mar 5.
Blenderized tube feeds (BTFs) have increased in popularity among enteral patients and their caregivers as an alternative to commercial formula. Motivations include ingredient flexibility, increased tolerance, and inclusion in family meals. Research has explored the attitudes and perceptions of patients, caregivers, and registered dietitian nutritionists but not those of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate their attitudes and perceptions of BTFs.
A survey created via Research Electronic Data Capture tools was distributed to physicians and APPs to evaluate clinical practice characteristics, experience, knowledge, and perceptions of BTFs.
Survey response rate was 17.3% (n = 206). Half of respondents reported familiarity with BTFs, but 95% of respondents had received no formal training regarding BTFs. Physicians reported higher levels of confidence in BTF knowledge than APPs. However, the overall level of confidence in BTF knowledge was poor, with a majority of respondents (73.3% [n = 151]) reporting either "not very confident" or "not confident at all." The most perceived benefits included tailoring diet to better fit the patients' needs (70.9% [146]) and psychological benefits (59.2% [122]). Barriers that most concerned respondents included tube occlusions (59.7% [123]) and nutrition inadequacy (47.6% [98]). χ Analysis revealed no relationship between type of provider and perceived benefits or barriers.
A majority of physicians and APPs are willing to support BTF use but lack education or guidance, resulting in poor confidence. Increased familiarity with BTF use and awareness of available education materials are required to help physicians and APPs support patients utilizing BTFs.
作为商业配方奶的替代品，混合匀浆管饲饮食（BTF）在肠内营养患者及其护理人员中越来越受欢迎。其动机包括成分灵活性、耐受性增加以及可纳入家庭餐食。已有研究探讨了患者、护理人员和注册营养师的态度和看法，但未涉及医生和高级执业提供者（APP）。本研究的目的是评估他们对BTF的态度和看法。
通过研究电子数据采集工具创建的一项调查被分发给医生和APP，以评估他们的临床实践特征、经验、知识以及对BTF的看法。
调查回复率为17.3%（n = 206）。一半的受访者表示熟悉BTF，但95%的受访者未接受过关于BTF的正规培训。医生报告称对BTF知识的信心水平高于APP。然而，对BTF知识的总体信心水平较低，大多数受访者（73.3% [n = 151]）表示“不太有信心”或“完全没有信心”。最常被提及的益处包括根据患者需求定制饮食（70.9% [146]）和心理益处（59.2% [122]）。受访者最关注的障碍包括管道堵塞（59.7% [123]）和营养不足（47.6% [98]）。χ分析显示提供者类型与感知到的益处或障碍之间没有关系。
大多数医生和APP愿意支持使用BTF，但缺乏教育或指导，导致信心不足。需要提高对BTF使用的熟悉程度并提高对现有教育材料的认识，以帮助医生和APP支持使用BTF的患者。
