Knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses regarding enteral feeding: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Enteral feeding uses feeding tubes for liquid food administration. Enteral feeding maintains gastrointestinal function but has complications like aspiration, diarrhea, and constipation. To avoid complications, nurses in intensive care units must have proper knowledge, attitude, and practice towards enteral feeding.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted. The search was restricted to January 2000 to April 2024, encompassing scientific journals accessible via the following online databases: PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Google Scholar was searched comprehensively to include all relevant studies. The search strategy employed the following keywords and medical subject headings: [knowledge OR attitude] AND [enteral feeding OR enteral nutrition] AND nurs*. Only cross-sectional studies were included in this systematic review. Two authors independently conducted the selection of eligible studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Due to the discrepancies in methodologies and research goals among the investigated studies, a narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

In total, there were 3187 articles found in the initial search across five online electronic databases. Finally, a thorough review was conducted, incorporating 22 studies. Based on the studies analyzed in this systematic review, nurses showed a positive attitude toward enteral feeding; there was a necessity to enhance their knowledge and practice. Continuous education combined with interdisciplinary collaboration can significantly improve nurses' knowledge and practice of enteral feeding.

CONCLUSION

Many studies highlight the necessity of enhancing the knowledge and practice of nurses in this area. Implementing educational interventions has positively impacted nurses' knowledge and performance.