J Am Diet Assoc
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The availability and use of modular enteral components for tube feeding has increased dramatically in recent years. The preparation of such modular feedings can be quite confusing to enteral formula preparation personnel, especially when several components are utilized. At Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, a policy of ordering modular feedings on the basis of the contribution of each component per 100 ml formula has been developed and adopted. ⋯ Such standardization ensures accurate interpretation of the modular enteral formula order by the enteral nutrition aide. As the formula is changed in dilution or rate, the amounts of each component can be calculated with ease. The direct benefits of instituting this policy have been threefold: the medical staff consults with the clinical dietitians more frequently when ordering modular feedings; preparation and calculation time for modular feedings has decreased; and formula waste is reduced.
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Review Clinical Trial
Research methods in nutrition and dietetics: design, data analysis, and presentation.
Most problems in practice may be addressed through research. To show the applicability of research to all areas of nutrition and dietetics, seven types of research designs are discussed in this article: qualitative research; case series and surveys--both categorized as descriptive research; and experimental design, quasiexperimental design, cohort (follow-up) studies, and case-control studies--the four of which are categorized as analytical research because each design tests hypotheses of causal relationships. Sample size, subject selection, and statistical analysis and interpretation are discussed as appropriate to each research design. ⋯ Each section and subsection is numbered so that the article can serve easily as a reference and its component parts can be accessed readily. Research provides answers to questions and, generally, raises further questions that future research can address. Among the benefits of well-designed research are answers to clearly stated research questions, useful comparisons between options, information to guide evaluations of protocols, and data to document and support one's professional activities and one's staff.
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Accuracy of tray assembly is essential for providing appropriate nutrition care to patients and maintaining patient satisfaction. A monitoring system of tray assembly error rates was designed to evaluate patient tray accuracy and to identify types of assembly errors. Data were collected during two morning, five noon, and five evening meals. ⋯ Only 2.7% of the trays had errors contradictory to the diet order. The error rate was significantly higher during the second half of the assembly period, and the highest error rates were observed for the evening meal. The methodology used in this study serves as the basis for quality control monitoring and as a motivational tool to stimulate improved performance by trayline employees.
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In February 1985, the National Institutes of Health sponsored the Consensus Development Conference on the Health Implications of Obesity. The panel of experts concluded that height and weight tables based on mortality data and the body mass index (BMI) are helpful measures to determine the presence of obesity and the need for treatment. ⋯ The usefulness of the BMI in patient education and contradictions between the 1959 and 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance height-weight tables are discussed. A temporary solution is offered in light of the need for further investigation into morbidity experience at weights recommended in the 1983 table.