Cross‐sectional Evaluation of Home Enteral Nutrition Practice in the United States in the Context of the New Enteral Connectors

PURPOSE The increased prevalence of home enteral nutrition (HEN), reemergence of blenderized tube feeding (BTF), and conversion of enteral connectors to the ISO 80369-3 standard are creating a significant need to better understand the practices of the HEN population. A cross-sectional survey of current HEN consumers was conducted to evaluate the demographics of HEN consumers, including formulas and feeding tubes being used. METHODS In order to disseminate the survey to a wide range of HEN consumers, we partnered with private infusion companies (Coram and Pediatric Home Services) along with the Oley and Tube Feeding Awareness Foundations. A validated survey focusing on patient demographics, tube types, formula used, and tube clogging complications was placed online from September 1, 2016, to October 15, 2016. RESULTS During the study period, 1519 surveys were completed, with 1062 respondents in the pediatric group (