1344 - Evaluating the Impact of Tube Feed Consolidation on Pneumonia Incidence in Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives: To evaluate whether implementation of a standardized multidisciplinary team developed tube feed consolidation protocol at Dodd Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital reduces the incidence of pneumonia, particularly aspiration pneumonia, among patients receiving enteral nutrition. Outcomes: Incidence of aspiration pneumonia per 1,000 inpatient rehabilitation days in patients receiving enteral nutrition admitted to Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital 12 months after protocol implementation.
To identify patient-level factors (e.g., age, tube type, diet changes, oral care, hydration strategy, constipation, ileus) associated with pneumonia risk. 


Design: This is a retrospective cohort study for all patients admitted to Dodd Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital from July 2023 to April 2026. A standardized approach for tube feed administration consolidation was established by a multidisciplinary team of including rehabilitation physicians, rehabilitation nursing, speech therapy, and registered dieticians to reduce nursing workload, optimize daytime mobility and therapy participation, promote oral nutrition if applicable, and enhance patient safety while ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration for patients requiring enteral feeding. Study Groups: Pre-intervention: July 2023-March 2025 and Post-intervention: May 2025-April 2026.

Results: The preliminary incidence of aspiration pneumonia per 1,000 inpatient rehabilitation days in patients receiving enteral nutrition over the initial 8 month period will be reported on the time of presentation

Conclusions: A standardized tube feeding consolidation guideline for patients receiving enteral nutrition while admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital could reduce the induce of aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, potential patient-specific risks factors could be identified as well