Background

Achieving adequate nutrition in preterm or very sick infants is vital but equally challenging for different reasons.

Objectives

Objective

To describe practices around gastric residual volume (GRV) measurement in UK neonatal units (NNUs) as part of a feasibility study.

Methods

Methods

Cross-sectional electronic survey of all UK neonatal units, in October 2018. A doctor, nurse and dietician triad were asked to complete the survey collaboratively.

Results

Results

95/183 (52%) NNUs completed the survey, a mixture of neonatal intensive care units (71%), local neonatal units (47%) and special care baby units (33%). 85% (81/95) NNUs had written guidance around enteral feeding. Most (94.7% 90/95) units fed by bolus feed with only 5% feeding continuously. 42% NNUs provided guidance around GRV measurement. 29% (5/17) NNUs that admitted both medical and surgical babies reported having different guidance for these different babies. NNUs reported variable frequency of GRV measurement from before every feed (22%) to only when clinically indicated 30% with a range of ‘other’ responses. Decision-making around GRV aspirate was made predominantly by the bedside nurse (62.2%) or nurse in charge (28.9%).

Conclusion

Conclusions

The routine measurement of GRV remains a common practice in UK NNUs, further work will explore in more detail clinicians and parental views around this practice.

Funding acknowledgement
This study was funded by the NIHR HTA ref 16/94/02

Department of Health and Social Care disclaimer
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.