Review of enteral nutrition practices in critically ill adults in resource-limited environments

BMJ Mil Health. 2022 Dec;168(6):499-502. doi: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2022-002102. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Abstract

Enteral nutrition in critical care is a complex area of practice. A resource-limited environment includes countries that are identified as low income and low/middle income. This review describes three themes for its successful implementation of enteral nutrition in a resource-limited environment. These include identification of patients at risk of malnutrition, using non-commercial feeds and the urgent need to develop practice. Malnutrition is a serious complication of critical illness and remains a crucial aspect of patient care in order to prevent complications. Further evidence to develop sustainable enteral nutrition strategies for critically ill patients is urgently required. This is a paper commissioned as part of the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations special issue of BMJ Military Health.

Keywords: Adult intensive & critical care; Nutrition; Nutritional support.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Critical Illness* / therapy
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition* / prevention & control
  • Parenteral Nutrition / methods