Adult enteral device selection: which is the best for the patient?

Enteral feeding is considered to be a safe and effective way of providing nutrition to patients who are unable to meet their requirements orally. There are a number of enteral feeding devices, including naso-gastric and gastrostomy tubes, that allow access to the stomach for feeding. However, selecting the most appropriate device for a patient depends on a number of factors, including consideration of duration of feeding and the individual patient's clinical condition and social circumstances. In addition, the patient should always be included in decision making where possible. This article explores the decision-making process regarding selection of appropriate enteral feeding devices and applies this process to two patient case studies.