When should I consider referring a patient for specialist assessment regarding enteral nutrition?

Consider referring a patient for specialist assessment regarding enteral nutrition if they have inadequate or unsafe oral intake and a functional, accessible gastrointestinal tract, and meet the criteria for enteral tube feeding as outlined in the guidelines ¹.

Referral should also be considered in cases where patients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and require enteral tube feeding, especially if they have upper gastrointestinal dysfunction or are unable to tolerate oral intake ¹.

Additionally, patients who are likely to need long-term (4 weeks or more) enteral tube feeding, such as those requiring gastrostomy, should be referred for specialist assessment ¹.

Patients in the acute setting unable to swallow safely or requiring nutritional support following stroke or other conditions should be assessed by specialists for appropriate enteral feeding options, including nasogastric or post-pyloric feeding ¹.