A number of recent studies primarily examining the
care of enterally tube fed patients in the community have
found inexperience among nursing staff, GPs and carers
regarding this aspect of care (Madigan et al, 2007; Evans
et al, 2009). It is recognised that nurses and doctors do
not always receive formal education and training in the
administration of medication through enterai feeding
tubes (Persenius et al, 2006; Phillips and Nay, 2008). It
is therefore essential to provide a practical, manageable
and sensible approach to this area of practice, so patients
and/or their carers in the community are able to safely
manage this route of administration.