Other Titles
Rising Star Poster/Presentation
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness of new-generation enteral feeding pumps and equipment on gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding efficacy in enteral nutrition patients. It explicitly compares new-generation pumps with traditional feeding methods. Findings will enhance understanding of their impact on patient outcomes, comfort, and feeding experiences.
Background & Significance: Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) has gained popularity among patients and caregivers due to benefits like reduced gastrointestinal symptoms and improved oral intake (Johnson et al., 2013, 2015, 2018; Spurlock et al., 2021; Walker et al., 2024). The viscosity of enteral nutrition affects feeding tolerance. Traditional pumps were designed for thin commercial formulas and may not efficiently handle thicker BTF. New-generation pumps and equipment accommodate thicker formulas, potentially improving feeding efficiency and symptom management.
Methods: The sample includes English-speaking (a) healthcare providers (e.g., registered dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists) in the U.S. and Canada and (b) caregivers of patients transitioning from thin commercial formula to thicker blended whole food. A 34-item online survey, incorporating validated measures like the Bristol Stool Form Scale, assesses gastrointestinal function. Survey questions address demographics, enteral feeding methods, gastrointestinal symptoms, and feeding transitions. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistical methods to compare experiences with traditional and new-generation pumps and equipment.
Findings: Data collection will conclude in March 2025, with analysis in late spring. Anticipated results will assess new-generation pumps and equipment in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms and improving feeding tolerance. The study will compare outcomes between patients receiving thick versus thin enteral feedings to determine potential benefits of advanced pump technology. Hypotheses suggest patients using thicker blended whole foods may experience fewer GI symptoms and greater oral feeding success than those using thin commercial formulas.
Implications: This research holds significant implications for enteral nutrition management and clinical decision-making. If new-generation pumps and equipment enhance patient tolerance and reduce GI distress, they could improve feeding practices, optimize patient outcomes, and inform future enteral nutrition protocols in healthcare settings.
Notes
References:
1. Carter, H., Johnson, K., Johnson, T. W., & Spurlock, A. (2018). Blended tube feeding prevalence, efficacy, and safety: What does the literature say? Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 30(3), 150–157. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000009
2. Johnson, T. W., Spurlock, A., & Galloway, P. (2013). Blenderized Formula by Gastrostomy Tube. Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 28(1), 84–92. https://doi.org/10.1097/tin.0b013e31827dfa79
3. Johnson, T. W., Spurlock, A., & Pierce, L. (2015). Survey Study Assessing Attitudes and Experiences of Pediatric Registered Dietitians Regarding Blended Food by Gastrostomy Tube Feeding. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 30(3), 402–405. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533614564996
4. Spurlock, A. Y., Johnson, T. W., Pritchett, A., Pierce, L., Hussey, J., Johnson, K., Carter, H., Davidson, S. L., Mundi, M. S., Epp, L., & Hurt, R. T. (2021). Blenderized food tube feeding in patients with head and neck cancer. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 37(3), 615–624. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10760
5. Walker, S., Johnson, T. W., Carter, H., Spurlock, A. Y., Johnson, K., & Hussey, J. (2024). Blenderized food tube feeding in very young pediatric patients with special healthcare needs. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 39(1), 202–209. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10975
Sigma Membership
Mu Gamma at-Large
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
New-generation Equipment, Enteral Feeding Pumps, Feeding Efficacy, Enteral Nutrition Patients
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Noah and Spurlock, Amy Y., "Comparing Viscosity of Enteral Tube Feedings with Next Generation Equipment" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 210.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/210
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Invited Presentation
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Comparing Viscosity of Enteral Tube Feedings with Next Generation Equipment
Seattle, Washington, USA
Purpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness of new-generation enteral feeding pumps and equipment on gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding efficacy in enteral nutrition patients. It explicitly compares new-generation pumps with traditional feeding methods. Findings will enhance understanding of their impact on patient outcomes, comfort, and feeding experiences.
Background & Significance: Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) has gained popularity among patients and caregivers due to benefits like reduced gastrointestinal symptoms and improved oral intake (Johnson et al., 2013, 2015, 2018; Spurlock et al., 2021; Walker et al., 2024). The viscosity of enteral nutrition affects feeding tolerance. Traditional pumps were designed for thin commercial formulas and may not efficiently handle thicker BTF. New-generation pumps and equipment accommodate thicker formulas, potentially improving feeding efficiency and symptom management.
Methods: The sample includes English-speaking (a) healthcare providers (e.g., registered dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists) in the U.S. and Canada and (b) caregivers of patients transitioning from thin commercial formula to thicker blended whole food. A 34-item online survey, incorporating validated measures like the Bristol Stool Form Scale, assesses gastrointestinal function. Survey questions address demographics, enteral feeding methods, gastrointestinal symptoms, and feeding transitions. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistical methods to compare experiences with traditional and new-generation pumps and equipment.
Findings: Data collection will conclude in March 2025, with analysis in late spring. Anticipated results will assess new-generation pumps and equipment in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms and improving feeding tolerance. The study will compare outcomes between patients receiving thick versus thin enteral feedings to determine potential benefits of advanced pump technology. Hypotheses suggest patients using thicker blended whole foods may experience fewer GI symptoms and greater oral feeding success than those using thin commercial formulas.
Implications: This research holds significant implications for enteral nutrition management and clinical decision-making. If new-generation pumps and equipment enhance patient tolerance and reduce GI distress, they could improve feeding practices, optimize patient outcomes, and inform future enteral nutrition protocols in healthcare settings.
Description
This study examines the effectiveness of new-generation enteral feeding pumps in managing gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding efficiency. Understanding enteral feeding viscosity can lead to meaningful clinical practice changes, including product refinement. These improvements enhance patient outcomes and optimize enteral nutrition in healthcare settings, benefiting those reliant on enteral feeding for nourishment.