PD794 - OPTIMIZING NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT IN PALLIATIVE CARE: IMPLEMENTATION OF SINGLE-DOSE ENTERAL NUTRITION FOR COMFORT – A PILOT STUDY

PD794

OPTIMIZING NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT IN PALLIATIVE CARE: IMPLEMENTATION OF SINGLE-DOSE ENTERAL NUTRITION FOR COMFORT – A PILOT STUDY

C. B. Polakowski¹, A. C. B. D. Menezes¹, V. Basso Preti^1,*, H. Santos², A. C. Zanini²

¹Nutrition Department, Hospice Erasto Gaertner, ²Scientific Department, Prodiet Medical Nutrition, Curitiba, Brazil

Rationale: Nutritional care for oncology patients in palliative care aims to improve quality of life (QoL) and comfort while minimizing physical and emotional burden. Simplifying enteral nutrition therapy (ENT), when indicated, and reducing waste may enhance humanized care and generate economic and environmental benefits. This study evaluated the impact of implementing a single-dose ENT packaging for comfort feeding in palliative care patients.

Methods: This quantitative, descriptive study analyzed operational data from a oncology hospital in Curitiba, Brazil. Reports on prescribed enteral diets and administration sets in 2024 were reviewed. Previously, 1000-mL enteral packages were used despite administered volumes not exceeding 250 mL. The intervention implemented 250-mL Tetra Pak packaging (Trophic 1.5 and Trophic Soya – Prodiet), according to individual nutritional needs. 

Results: Seventy-eigth prescriptions of comfort-focused ENT were evaluated. The intervention achieved full alignment between prescribed and administered volumes (100%), reducing waste and ENT procurement costs. Financial analysis showed a 24% cost reduction per patient. Patient comfort and QoL improved due to simplified administration and reduced handling of large volumes. Families reported lower emotional burden related to food waste and facilitated management. Single-dose packaging maintained the same nutritional support with greater practicality and humanization. Tetra Pak packaging improved preservation, storage, and handling, reducing waste and supporting more sustainable healthcare practices.

Conclusion: Implementing 250-mL single dose ENT in palliative care optimized nutritional support, promoted comfort and dignity, reduced costs and waste, and supported sustainability, highlighting the importance of individualized, patient-centered approaches and continuous innovation in hospital care.

Disclosure of Interest: C. Polakowski: None declared, A. Menezes: None declared, V. Basso Preti: None declared, H. Santos Other: Prodiet Medical Nutrition employee, A. Zanini Other: Prodiet Medical Nutrition employee