ASPEN Safe Practices for Enteral Nutrition Therapy [Formula: see text]

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2017 Jan;41(1):15-103. doi: 10.1177/0148607116673053. Epub 2016 Nov 5.

Abstract

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a valuable clinical intervention for patients of all ages in a variety of care settings. Along with its many outcome benefits come the potential for adverse effects. These safety issues are the result of clinical complications and of process-related errors. The latter can occur at any step from patient assessment, prescribing, and order review, to product selection, labeling, and administration. To maximize the benefits of EN while minimizing adverse events requires that a systematic approach of care be in place. This includes open communication, standardization, and incorporation of best practices into the EN process. This document provides recommendations based on the available evidence and expert consensus for safe practices, across each step of the process, for all those involved in caring for patients receiving EN.

Keywords: enteral access; enteral formulas; enteral nutrition; nutrition; safety.

MeSH terms

  • Consensus
  • Enteral Nutrition*
  • Food, Formulated*
  • Humans
  • Parenteral Nutrition Solutions / chemistry
  • Parenteral Nutrition Solutions / standards
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic

Substances

  • Parenteral Nutrition Solutions