Source: https://alfa.saddleback.edu/data/enteral-feedings Hi there! My name is Skylar, and I am a Sodexo Dietetic Intern at the New York campus. I am currently in my clinical rotations at Lenox Hill Hospital and have just begun my intermediate clinical rotation. I have learned so much over the last two months at Lenox Hill Hospital and cannot believe how quickly time has gone by. Now that I am in intermediate clinical, I am working with patients receiving enteral nutrition. It’s been very interesting working with these patients so far. One factor that I never really thought about prior to this experience was how receiving enteral nutrition can psychologically impact a person.
Food is a huge source of pleasure for most people; the process of eating and experiencing the taste, texture, and satisfaction we get from eating a meal by mouth is an important practice that contributes to our overall happiness and allows us to feel content. When a patient is placed on nutrition support, it can be mentally challenging, as the patient feels the loss of pleasure that had previously accompanied eating, and may feel as if they are losing part of their identity. I’ve noticed patients cope with this change in different ways. In fact, several patients I’ve encountered were quite adamant on still wanting their favorite soups or juices in their tube feeding, as they expressed they can still “taste” these foods, therefore making them feel better.
My interactions with these patients have reminded me how important it is to practice empathy and understanding when talking with a patient who is being put on or already receives enteral nutrition. I have also learned how valuable it is to collaborate with other health care professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and SLPs. Collaborating with the whole enteral team allows everyone to be on the same page regarding the patient’s status, quality patient care goals, and any future plans. It’s that professional partnership that will collectively determine the appropriate time to bring back the patient’s individuality and pleasure of eating.
Food is a huge source of pleasure for most people; the process of eating and experiencing the taste, texture, and satisfaction we get from eating a meal by mouth is an important practice that contributes to our overall happiness and allows us to feel content. When a patient is placed on nutrition support, it can be mentally challenging, as the patient feels the loss of pleasure that had previously accompanied eating, and may feel as if they are losing part of their identity. I’ve noticed patients cope with this change in different ways. In fact, several patients I’ve encountered were quite adamant on still wanting their favorite soups or juices in their tube feeding, as they expressed they can still “taste” these foods, therefore making them feel better.
My interactions with these patients have reminded me how important it is to practice empathy and understanding when talking with a patient who is being put on or already receives enteral nutrition. I have also learned how valuable it is to collaborate with other health care professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and SLPs. Collaborating with the whole enteral team allows everyone to be on the same page regarding the patient’s status, quality patient care goals, and any future plans. It’s that professional partnership that will collectively determine the appropriate time to bring back the patient’s individuality and pleasure of eating.
