Abstract
We conducted a questionnaire survey in order to clarify how pharmacists are involved in the appropriate use of drugs for patients receiving enteral nutrition, based on its usage and the state of drug administration to these patients. The study involved hospital pharmacies belonging to 388 facilities in Osaka Prefecture, with the study period being between April 1, 2014 and May 31, 2014. The questionnaire inquired about the usage of enteral nutrition, and the state of drug administration to patients receiving it. Completed questionnaires were collected from 102 facilities (26.3%). Enteral nutrition was used in 99 facilities (97.1%). Liquid and semisolid forms of enteral nutrition were used in 83.8 and 53.5% of the investigated facilities, respectively. In addition, in 37.4% of the facilities, pharmacists were involved in proposing the form of enteral nutrition. Concerning dosage directions on oral drugs for patients receiving enteral nutrition, as well as concerning the actual timing of administering these drugs to them, the drugs were most commonly given as directed; however, they were also frequently given at different times. Pharmacists need to be closely involved in the usage of enteral nutrition, as well as in the regimens of concomitant drugs.
