Abstract
Background: Tube feeding is one of the supportive feeding methods for patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). However, tube feeding used in ICUs has received less attention compared to other care procedures. Therefore, assessing nurses’ perceptions and performance is essential, as they play a vital role in the correct practice of tube feeding and the prevention of its complications for patients. Objectives: The present study examined ICU nurses’ performance and perceptions of tube feeding in teaching hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 83 nurses working in the ICUs of hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, the Nurses’ Perceptions of Tube Feeding Scale, and the Tube Feeding Performance Evaluation Checklist. Data analysis was performed with SPSS-21 software using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test. Results: The findings showed that the average work experience of ICU nurses was 6.28 ± 4.59 years. The mean overall performance score of the nurses was 59.62 ± 4.17, and the overall score of the nurses’ perception of tube feeding was 10.43 ± 1.66 out of 14, confirming the ICU nurses’ positive perception of tube feeding. Conclusions: The findings suggested that ICU nurses’ perception of tube feeding was positive and higher than average, but their performance was lower than average. Given the importance of nutrition for patients admitted to the ICU and the crucial role of nurses, it is essential that ICU nurses perform tube feeding optimally and in compliance with pertinent procedures and standards.