Home enteral-tube feeding: the changing role of the dietitian.

Enteral feeding in primary care has increased markedly over the last decade. It allows patients to be discharged to home or residential care who previously would have remained in hospital. Difficulties do arise for patients, their carers and health professionals, as care of these patients and support for health professionals is often patchy or non-existent. Dietitians are uniquely placed to participate in the management of tube feeding in primary care, provide support and education to patients and their carers, evaluate treatment and promote better outcomes for patients receiving tube feeding.