Preventing and managing nasoenteric tube obstruction in adults receiving enteral nutrition: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION: Nasoenteric tube obstruction is a common factor in unplanned extubation in patients on enteral nutrition, with existing preventive measures being ineffective. AIM: This project aimed to improve compliance with evidence-based practices for preventing and managing nasoenteric tube obstruction. METHODS: This project was guided by the seven-phase JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. This framework is grounded in an audit and feedback process, along with a structured approach to identifying and managing barriers to compliance with best practices. This project was conducted in a tertiary hospital in China, utilizing 29 audit criteria for both baseline and follow-up audits. A total of 73 patients was included (35 at baseline and 38 at follow-up) during both audits. RESULTS: The baseline audit showed low compliance (0% to <60% for most criteria) and an 11.43% tube obstruction rate. Following evidence-based interventions, the follow-up audit demonstrated marked improvement, with compliance for key criteria rising sharply (e.g., from 0% to 96.0%) and many others exceeding 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The audit and feedback strategy improved compliance with best practice recommendations. Future audits are needed to promote the sustainability of these practices. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A643.