Table 1 Summary of the barriers to enterally feeding critically Ill patient questionnaire

Part A: Barriers to Delivery of Enteral Nutrition^*

Subscale 1: Guideline Recommendations and Implementation Strategies

The characteristics of the guidelines themselves and the methods selected to implement them can impede their application (e.g. wording, level of supporting evidence, format)

6

The current national guidelines for nutrition are not readily accessible when I want to refer to them.

Subscale 2: ICU Resources

Resource constraints hinder staffs ability to adhere to recommendations

3

Enteral formula not available on the unit.

Subscale 3: Dietician Support

As the provider most responsible for nutrition, lack of dietician support can impede the provision of adequate nutrition

4

No or not enough dietician coverage during evenings, weekends, and holidays

Subscale 4: Delivery of Enteral Nutrition to the Patient

Guideline adherence may be more difficult in complex patients

7

In resuscitated, hemodynamically stable patients, other aspects of patient care still take priority over nutrition.

Subscale 5: Critical Care Provider Attitudes and Behaviour

Inadequate knowledge of or negative attitudes towards nutrition guidelines may translate into the behaviour of not adhering to guideline recommendations

6

Fear of adverse events due to aggressively feeding patients

Part B: Personal Characteristics of Respondent

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6

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