Table 3 Comparison between the perception of male and female nurses working in adults and paediatric ICUs regarding EN barriers

Domain 1

n = 103

n = 33

Current scientific evidence supporting some nutrition interventions is inadequate to inform practice

3.34 ± 1.099

2.97 ± 1.311

0.095

Lack of feeding protocol in place to guide the initiation and progression of enteral nutrition in your institution

3.32 ± 1.238

2.79 ± 1.219

0.029*

Domain 2

 Delay in physician ordering initiation of enteral nutrition

3.21 ± 1.185

2.70 ± 1.075

0.022*

 Waiting for physician/radiology to read x-ray and confirm tube placement

3.22 ± 1.313

2.73 ± 1.098

0.046

 Frequent displacement of feeding tube, requiring reinsertion

3.42 ± 1.295

2.91 ± 1.182

0.053

 Delays in initiating motility agents in patients not tolerating enteral nutrition (ie, high gastric residual volumes)

3.4 ± 1.183

2.88 ± 1.364

0.044*

 Delays and difficulties in obtaining small bowel access in patients not tolerating enteral nutrition (i.e., high gastric residual volumes)

3.31 ± 1.221

2.94 ± 1.273

0.145

 In resuscitated, hemodynamically stable patients, other aspects of patient care still take priority over nutrition

3.25 ± 1.161

2.73 ± 1.069

0.016*

 Nutrition therapy not routinely discussed on patient care rounds

3.21 ± 1.234

2.73 ± 0.944

0.033*

Domain 3

 Not enough nursing staff to deliver adequate nutrition

3.45 ± 1.274

2.97 ± 1.212

0.049

 Enteral formula not available on the unit

3.31 ± 1.321

3.15 ± 1.064

0.404

 No or not enough feeding pumps on the unit

3.4 ± 1.316

3.00 1.25

0.097

 Non-ICU physicians (i.e., surgeons, gastroenterologists) requesting patients not be fed enterally

3.1 ± 1.249

2.45 ± 0.938

0.008*

 Nurses failing to progress feeds as per the feeding protocol

3.24 ± 1.248

2.88 ± 1.269

0.141

 Feeds being held due to diarrhea

3.09 ± 1.214

2.85 ± 1.149

0.247

 Fear of adverse events due to aggressively feeding patients

3.24 ± 1.248

2.97 ± 1.262

0.250

 Feeding being held too far in advance of procedures or operating room visits

3.3 ± 1.179

3.06 ± 1.273

0.234

 General belief among ICU team that provision of adequate nutrition does not impact on patient outcome

3.22 ± 1.328

2.82 ± 1.158

0.099

 Lack of familiarity with current guidelines for nutrition in the ICU

3.33 ± 1.271

3.03 ± 1.237

0.153

Domain 4

 Waiting for the dietitian to assess the patient

3.38 ± 1.156

2.73 ± 1.098

0.003*

 Dietitian not routinely present on weekday patient rounds

3.26 ± 1.236

3.06 ± 1.197

0.344

 Not enough dietitian time dedicated to the ICU during regular weekday hours

3.18 ± 1.169

3.06 ± 1.059

0.465

 No or not enough dietitian coverage during evenings, weekends, and holidays

3.25 ± 1.266

3.09 ± 1.308

0.470

 There is not enough time dedicated to education and training on how to optimally feed patients

3.24 ± 1.167

2.94 ± 1.116

0.130