This is the first study to evaluate BTF use in an adult HEN population. More than 50% of our patients used and approximately 80% expressed a desire to use BTF if provided with adequate information. With new connection tube changes coming in the near future, adequate adapters for BTF need to be developed.

Most of the pediatric and adult patients surveyed use BTF as some portion of their enteral intake, making it essential that clinicians expand their knowledge related to BTF to appropriately care for this patient population.

Background Many healthcare facilities and providers prohibit blenderized tube feeding (BTF) for patients who request it due to concerns of high microbial load. The current project compared microbial loads of a standard ready‐to‐feed polymeric commercial formula (CF), a BTF made using baby food (BTF‐BF), and a BTF prepared from blending whole food (BTF‐WF), following food safety standards expected of U.S. hospitals. Methods Three tube‐feeding formulas (CF, BTF‐BF, BTF‐WF) were prepared in a U.S. hospital and delivered in vitro to an unoccupied patient room. Samples were collected at zero hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours and compared for growth of aerobic microorganisms, Staphylococus aureus, coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The experiment was conducted in triplicate, 1 week apart. Results No S. aureus or coliform/E. coli were detected at any time point following preparation, and total bacterial count was well below acceptable limits. All 3 feeding formulas at zero hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours for each of the 3 sampling dates were acceptable for human consumption. Conclusion Judicious BTF recipe selection and adherence to safe food handling provide a safe feeding substrate equivalent to CF in the hospital setting. Due to increased use and interest in BTF by patients and their caregivers, healthcare facilities may need to reexamine their policies prohibiting BTF use.

A significant number of parents in this sample successfully provide full or partial BTF to their children but only half rely on HCPs for guidance. There is wide variability in BTF preparation and delivery. Parents who use or have interest in BTF need knowledgeable and supportive HCPs for guidance and follow-up due to the unique nutritional needs of this patient population. HCPs need to be prepared to screen families of tube fed children who are using BTF or are interested in this feeding alternative to CF. Healthcare facilities need to evaluate their enteral feeding policies to accommodate patients on BTF.