Enteral Nutrition Practice and Associated Factors Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses in South Korea

The purpose of this study was to measure enteral nutrition (EN) practice and associated factors among staff nurses in intensive care units in Korea. A total of 224 staff nurses working in 3 university hospital intensive care units were surveyed. Enteral nutrition practice was measured on the basis of Korean guidelines on EN nursing. The mean scores for EN practice was 4.02 +/- 0.46 (range: 1-5). The presence of hospital guidelines and department protocols was associated with improved practice. In multiple regression analysis, the greater the level of awareness, the better the practice of EN. The results suggest that nursing practice may be improved by developing and providing guidelines and protocols, offering education, and increasing the level of awareness of EN.