Survey on Enteral Formula Use among Patients on Enteral Nutrition Receiving Home Care and Drug Administration

Abstract

To clarify enteral formula use among patients on enteral nutrition receiving home care and drug administration, a questionnaire survey was conducted involving insurance-covered pharmacies in Osaka Prefecture. Among 98 pharmacists who responded, 47% had experience of providing enteral nutrition guidance. Many pharmacists answered “I don’t know” for the questions regarding the rate and duration of enteral feeding. Drugs for patients on enteral nutrition were mostly administered, as instructed by doctors, but the administration at various other periods was also observed in many cases. The results revealed that many pharmacists still lack knowledge for the appropriate use of enteral formulas, although they are expected to play an important role in ensuring that enteral feeding is performed by appropriate methods, and drugs are administered at appropriate times.