- Bolus : by gravity - very simple, requiring minimal equipment but increases the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Intermittently: by gravity or pump - gives time free of feeding but increases the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Continuously: by pump system - reduces the rate of gastrointestinal symptoms but the patient is connected to the system most of the time and this may limit mobility.
- Semi-recumbent positioning of the patient reduces the risk of airway aspiration.
- Contamination of feeds can be minimised by minimal, meticulous handling and the use of closed rather than open systems.