Evaluation of Nutritional Needs of Intensive Care Unit Patients by Clinical Pharmacists

Authors : Ahmet Çakır, Hasan Memiş, Zeynep Ülkü Gün

Pages : 29-37

Doi:10.52794/hujpharm.1302720

View : 70 | Download : 123

Publication Date : 2024-03-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Malnutrition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients affects disease progression and prolongs hospital stays. In this study, it was aimed to present the recommendations of clinical pharmacists in terms of nutrition in ICU patients. This study was conducted in the ICU between November 2022 and January 2023. Clinical pharmacists counseled patients on nutrition according to guidelines. Basal energy expenditure was calculated using the Harris-Benedict formula, and the most appropriate nutritional product was selected for the patients. Descriptive analyses were performed with SPSS v27.0. Total number of patients and recommendations were 41 and 71, respectively. Hundred percent of the recommendations were accepted. According to the reasons, the recommendation rates were categorized as feeding started (9.86%), feeding stopped (1.41%), feeding dose increased-reduced (28.17%), protein amount increased-reduced (35.21%), management of nutritional complications (15.49%), and changes in administration (9.86%). Enema (54.54%) for constipation, prokinetic metoclopramide (36.36%), and discontinuation of parenteral nutrition due to hyperglycemia (9.09%) were recommended for the management of nutritional complications. Examples of suggestions and explanations made regarding the nutritional status of the patients were given. In this study, recommendations were made for most ICU patients to eat more calories and protein. Clinical pharmacists can prevent malnutrition with other healthcare professionals.
Keywords : bazal enerji sarfiyatı, klinik eczacılık, kritik hasta, malnütrisyon, yoğun bakım ünitesi