Drug Administration via Feeding Tube in Intensive Care Unit: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of the administration of drugs in critically ill patients receiving enteral feeding support. .
 Materials and methods: This prospective, observational, and descriptive study was conducted in the reanimation unit of a university hospital. A clinical pharmacist on the intensive care team evaluated the drug administration of enterally fed patients at daily visits. The necessary interventions for incorrect drug administration via the feeding tube detected in the patient’s treatment were reported to the responsible physician.
 Results: Thirty patients who met the relevant criteria 2022 were included in the study. Fifteen (50%) of the patients were female, and the mean age of all patients was calculated as 49.16±20.23. It was determined that 76% of the patients received nutritional support via feding tube. The appropriateness of 74 drugs, 36 of which were different, administered via the feeding tube of these patients was evaluated. Thirty-three of the 36 medications were in solid dosage form Most of the drugs administrated by tube (94.6%) were in dose form appropriate for tube administration, whereas 17.56% of the administration method was incorrect.
 Conclusion: Unlike the recommendations, solid dosage forms are primarily applied in drug administrations made via feeding tubes. It is thought that the creation of algorithms that can be used in clinical practice for the correct method of administering the limited number of drugs available for application will contribute to the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.