Other Titles
PechaKucha Presentation
Abstract
The purpose of this research synthesis is to summarize translational science on Blended Tube Feeding (BTF) and the commentary that led to further research in the field.
Since 2013, nine papers have been published by a team on BTF. These papers utilized a variety of research methods to investigate the safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes of BTF compared to commercial formulas (CF). A case study explored the clinical improvement of a child post-transition to BTF, revealing reduced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and increased oral intake1. Survey research was employed with Registered Dietitians and caregivers to assess attitudes, experiences, and outcomes, with findings indicating positive experiences and symptom reduction in BTF-fed patients2, 3. Experimental studies compared microbial growth between CF and BTF and home-prepared BTF at various time intervals4, 5. Laboratory testing examined bacterial contamination in home-prepared BTF and reusable feeding equipment6. An experimental study evaluated weight, BMI and GI symptoms in adults with head and neck cancer using BTF7. Electronic health records were reviewed of medically complex children to evaluate growth parameters and GI symptoms8.
The outcomes of these studies on BTF demonstrate several key findings. Case studies and surveys showed improved symptoms, including reduced GI issues of nausea, vomiting, and constipation with BTF compared to CF. BTF was also associated with increased oral intake and improved or steady growth, particularly in pediatric and cancer patients. Microbiological testing revealed that both home-prepared BTF and reusable feeding equipment, when handled following safe food guidelines, exhibited minimal bacterial contamination, meeting or exceeding food safety standards. Laboratory testing revealed that proper food-handling practices minimized microbial risks. Surveys of dietitians and caregivers highlighted positive parent experiences with BTF, citing natural feeding preferences, reduced tube feeding intolerance, and better overall patient outcomes.
The research on BTF has significant implications for clinical practice, demonstrating that BTF positively impacts patient outcomes. Ongoing research focuses on expanding the effectiveness of BTF with other populations, including those with wounds and in intensive care settings
Notes
References:
1. Johnson, T., Spurlock, A. & Galloway, P. (2013). Blenderized formula by gastrostomy tube: A case presentation and review of the literature. Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 28(1), 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0b013e31827dfa79
2. Johnson, T., Spurlock. A.Y. & Pierce, L. (2015). Survey study assessing attitudes and experiences of pediatric registered dietitians with blended food by gastrostomy tube feeding. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 30 (3), 402-405. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0884533614564996
3. Johnson, T., Spurlock, A.Y., Epp, L., Hurt, R. & Mundi, M. (2018). Reemergence of blended tube feeding and parent's reported experiences in their tube fed children. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. [Nov 29, 2017 epub ahead of print]. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0134
4. Johnson, T., Johnson, K., Milton, D., Bass, D., Carter, H., Hurt, R., Mundi, M., Epp, L., Spurlock, A.Y. (2019). A comparison of microbial growth between commercial formula and blenderized food for tube feeding. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10226
5. Johnson T.W., Milton D.L., Murphy, B. Johnson K, Carter H., Hurt R.T., Mundi M.S., Epp L., Hussey, J. Spurlock A. (2020). Accepted safe food handling procedures minimizes microbial contamination of home-prepared blenderized tube feeding. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 35 (3), 479-486. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10450
6. Milton, D., Murphy, B., Johnson, T.W., Carter, H., Spurlock, A.Y., Hussey, J. Johnson, K. (2022). Low Risk for Microbial Contamination of Syringe and Tube Feeding Bag Surfaces After Multiple Reuses with Home Blenderized Tube Feeding. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. http://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10835
7. Spurlock, A.Y., Johnson, T.W., Pritchett, A., Pierce, L., Hussey, J., Johnson, K., Carter, C. Davidson, S., Mundi, M.S., Epp, L., & Hurt, R.T. (2021). Blenderized food tube feeding in patients with head and neck cancer. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10760
8. Walker, S., Johnson, T., Carter, H., Spurlock A.Y., Johnson, K.S., & Hussey, J.B. (2024). Blenderized food tube feeding in very young pediatric patients with special health care needs. Topics in Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10975
Sigma Membership
Mu Gamma at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary, Blended Tube Feedings, BTF, Patient Outcomes
Recommended Citation
Spurlock, Amy and Thomas, Noah, "Translational Science of Blended Tube Feedings" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 107.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/107
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
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Translational Science of Blended Tube Feedings
Seattle, Washington, USA
The purpose of this research synthesis is to summarize translational science on Blended Tube Feeding (BTF) and the commentary that led to further research in the field.
Since 2013, nine papers have been published by a team on BTF. These papers utilized a variety of research methods to investigate the safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes of BTF compared to commercial formulas (CF). A case study explored the clinical improvement of a child post-transition to BTF, revealing reduced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and increased oral intake1. Survey research was employed with Registered Dietitians and caregivers to assess attitudes, experiences, and outcomes, with findings indicating positive experiences and symptom reduction in BTF-fed patients2, 3. Experimental studies compared microbial growth between CF and BTF and home-prepared BTF at various time intervals4, 5. Laboratory testing examined bacterial contamination in home-prepared BTF and reusable feeding equipment6. An experimental study evaluated weight, BMI and GI symptoms in adults with head and neck cancer using BTF7. Electronic health records were reviewed of medically complex children to evaluate growth parameters and GI symptoms8.
The outcomes of these studies on BTF demonstrate several key findings. Case studies and surveys showed improved symptoms, including reduced GI issues of nausea, vomiting, and constipation with BTF compared to CF. BTF was also associated with increased oral intake and improved or steady growth, particularly in pediatric and cancer patients. Microbiological testing revealed that both home-prepared BTF and reusable feeding equipment, when handled following safe food guidelines, exhibited minimal bacterial contamination, meeting or exceeding food safety standards. Laboratory testing revealed that proper food-handling practices minimized microbial risks. Surveys of dietitians and caregivers highlighted positive parent experiences with BTF, citing natural feeding preferences, reduced tube feeding intolerance, and better overall patient outcomes.
The research on BTF has significant implications for clinical practice, demonstrating that BTF positively impacts patient outcomes. Ongoing research focuses on expanding the effectiveness of BTF with other populations, including those with wounds and in intensive care settings
Description
This research synthesis provides evidence supporting the reemergence of Blended Tube Feeding as a safe and effective feeding option. The findings highlight the necessity for standardized healthcare policies to ensure patient safety, facilitate effective implementation, and provide proper oversight from RDs and healthcare providers.