The Enteral Feeding Training Course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients who require enteral nutrition. This course provides comprehensive instruction on the principles, procedures, and management of enteral feeding, including nasogastric, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy feeding. Participants will learn how to safely administer enteral feeds, care for feeding tubes, and recognise and manage potential complications. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to ensure participants are confident in delivering high-quality care to patients receiving enteral nutrition.
 
Course Content:
 
Introduction to Enteral Feeding: Overview of enteral nutrition, including its indications, benefits, and the conditions that necessitate enteral feeding over other forms of nutrition support.
Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the digestive system's anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract and the process of nutrient absorption.
Types of Feeding Tubes: Detailed explanation of different types of feeding tubes, including nasogastric (NG), gastrostomy (PEG), and jejunostomy tubes, and their appropriate use based on patient needs.
Administering Enteral Feeds: Step-by-step guidance on the preparation and administration of enteral feeds, including continuous, bolus, and pump-assisted feeding methods. Emphasis on aseptic technique and the importance of maintaining tube patency.
Tube Care and Maintenance: Best practices for the care and maintenance of feeding tubes, including site care, preventing blockages, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
Managing Complications: Identifying and managing common complications associated with enteral feeding, such as aspiration, tube displacement, blockage, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Monitoring and Documentation: Techniques for monitoring patients receiving enteral feeds, including nutritional intake, hydration status, and regular assessment of tube placement and function. Importance of accurate documentation and communication with the healthcare team.
Ethical and Legal Considerations: Understanding the ethical and legal aspects of enteral feeding, including informed consent, patient autonomy, and decision-making in the care of vulnerable patients.
Practical Skills and Scenario Training: Hands-on practice in administering enteral feeds, caring for feeding tubes, and managing complications, reinforced through simulated case studies.
 
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Enteral Feeding Training Course, participants will be able to:
 
Understand Enteral Nutrition Principles: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principles and indications for enteral feeding, and the benefits it provides for patients who cannot maintain adequate oral intake.
Identify Feeding Tube Types: Recognise and differentiate between various types of feeding tubes (nasogastric, gastrostomy, jejunostomy) and understand the appropriate use of each based on patient condition and nutritional needs.
Administer Enteral Feeds Safely: Accurately prepare and administer enteral feeds using different methods (continuous, bolus, pump-assisted), ensuring adherence to aseptic techniques and maintaining tube patency.
Care for Feeding Tubes: Implement best practices for the care and maintenance of feeding tubes, including routine site care, preventing and managing blockages, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
Manage Complications: Identify and effectively manage common complications associated with enteral feeding, such as aspiration, tube displacement, and gastrointestinal issues, taking appropriate action to ensure patient safety.
Monitor and Document Patient Care: Conduct regular monitoring of patients receiving enteral feeds, assess tube function and nutritional intake, and accurately document all aspects of care and observations.
Apply Ethical and Legal Considerations: Understand and apply ethical and legal considerations in enteral feeding, ensuring patient autonomy and informed consent in the decision-making process.
Apply Skills in Practical Scenarios: Reinforce and apply knowledge through hands-on practice and simulated scenarios, demonstrating competence in administering enteral feeds and managing the associated care.
 
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide safe and effective enteral feeding care. They will receive certification, reflecting their proficiency in enteral feeding techniques and their commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.