Evaluating the impact of a self-instructional module on nurses knowledge of enteral tube feeding in selected healthcare settings

• Author Details:   
• Prabhavathi T
• Rajesh R ^*
• Mahesh Kumar G Loni

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Background: Nutrition is fundamental to sustaining life. In situations where individuals are unable to consume food orally-due to illness, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or surgical procedures-nutritional support must be administered via alternative methods. These include enteral nutrition (tube feeding into the digestive system) and parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding). Among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, adequate knowledge of enteral feeding is critical to ensuring safe and effective care.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-instructional module (SIM) in enhancing the knowledge of staff nurses regarding enteral tube feeding in selected hospitals in Mandya.

Materials and Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was utilized. A total of 60 staff nurses from MIMS Hospital, Mandya, were selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a structured 30-item knowledge questionnaire. Following the pre-test, the SIM was administered, and knowledge levels were reassessed in a post-test. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Pre-test results indicated that 70% of participants had moderately adequate knowledge, while 30% had inadequate knowledge; none demonstrated adequate knowledge. After the intervention, 76.66% attained adequate knowledge and 23.33% had moderately adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score improved significantly from 15.5 (51.66%) to 25.9 (86.33%), reflecting a mean increase of 10.4. A paired t-test confirmed the significance of this improvement (t = 34.89, p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was observed between the clinical area of practice and pre-test scores (χ² = 7.8, p < 0.001), while no other demographic variables showed significant associations.

Conclusion: The self-instructional module proved effective in improving nurses' knowledge of enteral tube feeding. The findings underscore the importance of continuous education and structured training programs to ensure safe, consistent, and informed nursing practices in enteral nutrition. The study recommends the implementation of standardized, evidence-based enteral feeding protocols and ongoing professional development initiatives.