Survey results of anesthesiologists–intensivists on the nutritional support practice

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adequate compensation for protein-energy losses and timely correction of metabolic disorders are key components of intensive care for critically ill patients. Currently, nutritional support (NS) is regarded as an essential component of intensive care for critically ill patients, as it helps reduce the incidence of infectious complications, shorten the duration of hospitalization, lower treatment costs, and improve survival rates. However, the practical implementation of NS in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting is associated with various organizational challenges and requires specific professional knowledge and skills to minimize the risk of technical and metabolic complications.

AIM: The work aimed to assess the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of anesthesiologists–intensivists in providing NS to patients in ICUs of healthcare institutions in the Russian Federation.

METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted via an anonymous remote survey. A total of 121 certified anesthesiologists-intensivists actively working in ICUs participated between September 4 and September 18, 2018. The survey evaluated physician adherence to NS practices, the frequency of monitoring protein-energy balance, the level of knowledge regarding NS, and the impact of material and technical resources on its effectiveness. Data were analyzed by comparing responses among three groups of participants.

RESULTS: In current clinical practice, anesthesiologists-intensivists employ various methods to assess patients’ nutritional status, although none are universally accepted. According to the data obtained, not all physicians routinely assess patients’ protein and energy needs—such assessments are conducted by 80% and 72% of respondents, respectively. A significant issue identified was the insufficient provision of ICU equipment for administering NS. One-third of respondents rated the availability of specialized formulas for parenteral and enteral nutrition in their hospitals as unsatisfactory. Notably, the vast majority of respondents (98%) expressed a desire to improve their knowledge in the field of NS, indicating the high relevance of this topic within the professional community.

CONCLUSION: The study revealed that many practicing physicians often lack sufficient theoretical knowledge regarding the practical implementation of NS. The material and technical support in ICUs remains unsatisfactory, with a shortage of nutritional formulas and equipment necessary for the adequate administration of enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Keywords

nutritional support / questionnaire / survey / intensive care unit.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Eco-Vector