AB123. SOH23ABS_074. Dedicated Home Enteral Feeding Dietitian: Benefits for Patients with Oesophagogastric Cancer and the Hospital

Background: Home enteral feeding (HEF) is an integral component of the oesophagogastric dietitian’s role with discharges increasing by 50% in our service in recent years. In November 2020, a dedicated HEF dietitian was appointed as a pilot initiative to expedite discharge for patients admitted electively for feeding tube placement, establish a reactive outpatient clinic to manage enteral tube complications and facilitate discharges on nasoenteric tube feeding. The aim of this evaluation was to look at the impact the HEF dietitian had on reducing length of stay (LOS) and preventing avoidable admissions. In May 2021, an additional objective was introduced to facilitate an accelerated discharge path for patients admitted electively for placement of an oesophageal stent. Methods: Data was collected prospectively from the eligible electronic patient records from November 2020 to November 2022. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (Excel software). Cost analysis was undertaken based on previous average LOS and inpatient cost in this patient group. Results: Of 54 elective tube admissions, LOS was reduced in 59%. Barriers to expediting discharge included disruptions related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), cancer work-up and unforeseen medical complications. Fifty-six complications were managed in outpatients and 10 patients were discharged on nasoenteric tube feeding. LOS was reduced in 16 patients with oesophageal stents. In total, an estimated 432 surgical bed days were saved, equating to €432,000 in hospital savings. Conclusions: Despite disruption to surgical activity with COVID-19, a dedicated HEF dietitian improved flow by expediting discharge and preventing admissions in patients with oesophagogastric cancer, demonstrating significant hospital cost savings.