Abstract:

Objective: The objective of this study was to construct an early warning system (EWS) to facilitate risk assessment, early identification, and appropriate treatment of enteral nutrition feeding intolerance (FI) in patients with stroke, so as to provide a reference for risk classification standards and interventions toward a complete EWSs for nursing care of stroke.
Materials and Methods: Based on evidence and clinical nursing practice, a structured expert consultation method was adopted on nine experts over two rounds of consultation. Statistical analysis was used to determine the early warning index for FI in patients with stroke.
Results: The expert authority coefficient was 0.89; the coefficients of variation for the two rounds of consultation were 0.088–0.312 and 0.096–0.214, respectively. There were significant differences in the Kendall's concordance coefficient (P < 0.05). Finally, 22 items in five dimensions of patient age, disease, treatment, biochemical, and enteral nutrition-related factors were identified.
Conclusion: The early warning index for FI in patients with a history of stroke is valid and practical. It provides a reference for the early clinical identification of FI risk.

Key words: Delphi method, early warning systems, enteral feeding intolerance, enteral nutrition, stroke