Interdisciplinary education for the clinician and consumer to enhance the home enteral nutrition experience: A narrative review

The increasing use of home enteral nutrition (HEN) underscores the need for clinicians with the expertise to educate individuals, their families, and fellow healthcare professionals. Successful HEN education relies on interdisciplinary collaboration and timely communication led by clinicians knowledgeable in nutrition support who can provide guidance and planning necessary for effective implementation. Well-designed HEN plans align with individual and family goals, respect cultural values, and address unique learning needs to provide a foundation for meaningful education that enhances the individual's health-related quality of life. HEN education entails selecting an appropriate enteral access device, providing clear guidance for its care, and generating nutrition prescriptions and administration strategies that are both safe and aligned with the individual's lifestyle and nutrition requirements. Comprehensive HEN education also encompasses detailed documentation, ongoing monitoring, and timely adjustments to the care plan as needed. Techniques for educating clinicians, individuals, and families along with practical, patient-specific approaches are presented.