The impact of daily use of an enteral feeding checklist on clinical outcomes in shock patients: a retrospective cohort study

Background and Objectives: The optimal delivery of enteral nutrition in shock patients has an important prognostic clinical value; thus, checklists for standardizing enteral nutrition should be developed. This study examined whether the use of an enteral feeding checklist can improve enteral nutrition in shock patients. Methods and Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A multidisciplinary working group developed an enteral feeding checklist. Information on patients' demographics, checklist items, and clinical outcomes was collected. Results: In total, 148 patients were included. The checklist was used for 35 patients but not for the remaining 113 patients. Patients in the checklist group received enteral nutrition earlier (2.6 vs 4.6 days, 'p'=0.017) and had a lower mechanical ventilation rate (62.9% vs 85.0%, 'p'=0.004). The checklist group had shorter intensive care unit stay (mean 17.3 vs 25.7 days, p=0.043). No significant differences were observed in 28- and 90- day mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, and intolerance to enteral nutrition. Conclusions: The use of an enteral feeding checklist in shock patients was associated with earlier enteral nutrition delivery and decreased intensive care unit stay.