Effect of Evidence-Based Enteral NutritionProtocol on Complications Prevention among Trauma Patients

Abstract

Trauma injury is the leading cause of mortality and hospitalization worldwide and the leading cause of potential years of productive life lost. Hypercatabolism after trauma may lead to acute protein malnutrition that ultimately results in multiple organ failure. Therefore, nutritional support is an essential component of the care of critical trauma patients for optimizing outcomes.  Evidence-based practice improves the quality of care through patient-centered care, the utilization of patient resources, provider resources and experiences, current research and scientific information. The main objective; of this study was to assess and evaluate the effect of evidence-based enteral nutrition (EN) protocol on complications prevention among trauma patients. The research hypothesis; evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol will prevent complications among trauma patients. The study subjects consisted of 50 adult patients diagnosed with trauma and divided equally into two groups; control group who received the routine hospital nutrition and study group who received evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) El-Minia University Hospital. The tools of data collection were; 1) Assessment sheet, it includes two parts, 1^st part included socio-demographic data of the patient. 2^nd part included five items that cover medical data, 2) Evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol, and 3) Evaluation sheet, it includes two parts, 1^st part included the laboratory investigations. 2^nd part covers the vital signs. Results: This study revealed that the majority of the control group less than thirty years old compared to study group equal or more than forty years old. There are statistically significant differences regarding mouth condition, severe infection, and nutritional assessment, among study and control groups. The result also revealed that the highest percent regarding the time of start enteral feeding and body positioning were among the study group. Conclusion: Evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol had significantly prevention of complications among trauma patients. Recommendation: Hospital should be following evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol to prevent complications among trauma patients at intensive care unit.