There are several methods of administering enteral feeds. The safest and most appropriate is selected following an individual assessment of the patient by a dietitian. Enteral feed can be administered either via an electronic feeding pump or using an enteral syringe.
Feeding via a syringe (bolus feeding)
Only enteral syringes, which are generally purple, have the word ‘Enteral’ on them and have either a female luer or catheter tip end, can be used to administer feed, water or medications via an enteral feeding tube. Both packs of enteral feed and oral nutritional supplements can be administered using this method. There are a number of companies that manufacture the syringes, giving sets and feeding pumps.
Bolus feeding via a syringe can be administered by two different methods:
- By gravity with the plunger removed. The plunger is removed from the barrel of the syringe, prior to attaching it to the feeding tube. The feed, water or medication is poured into the barrel, the clamp on the tube released and allowed to flow down the tube under gravity.
- Using the plunger. The plunger remains in the barrel of the syringe. The feed, water or medication is pulled up into the syringe and plunged down the tube at a slow rate.
Feeding via an enteral pump (pump feeding)
Pump feeding involves administering a pack of feed via a giving set that travels through a feeding pump and is attached to the end of the enteral feeding tube. Pump feeding allows for a set amount of feed to be delivered over a predetermined time. The feeding rate will depend on how well the feed is tolerated and the patients’ personal daily routine. The feed can run continuously for up to 24 hours or run intermittently over the day to suit the patients needs. Setting the pump to deliver boluses of feed at a faster rate, allows increased freedom from the pump.
| Administration | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous | Enteral pump | Slow hourly feed rate has may aid feed tolerance. Improved control of blood glucose levels due to consistent delivery of carbohydrate. Availability of mobile pumps and back-packs allows feeding to continue outside the home. Less labour-intensive. Allows overnight feeding. | Attached to pump for long periods of time which may restrict mobility/activity and quality of life. Requires some technical ability. Prolonged presence of a giving set may increase risk of tube displacement. |
| Bolus | Syringe or enteral pump | Mimics a normal pattern of eating. Allows for greater mobility/activity as the patient is not tied to the pump for long periods of time. Allows greater flexibility for the patient with regards when the feed is administered. Less equipment required. | The patient may not tolerate large bolus sizes. Patients with poor grip strength may struggle to push down plunger or hold syringe for time required to administer the feed. Syringes need to be cleaned and stored after use. |
