Influência da nutrição entérica no conforto da pessoa adulta doente: scoping review

Introduction: The benefits of enteral nutrition in sick people have been widely described, with its influence on comfort being multidimensional. In addition to the central importance it assumes in the physical dimension of comfort and the recovery of the sick person, its influence on other dimensions can have a preponderant role, contributing to achieving therapeutic objectives and promoting quality of life. Objective: To map the available scientific evidence about the dimensions of comfort that are influenced by enteral nutrition in sick adults. Methods: Scoping review carried out according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Two independent reviewers defined the eligibility criteria and research strategy and carried out the selection, analysis, and synthesis of studies. Results: From the articles analyzed, the physical, social, and psycho-spiritual dimensions of comfort influenced by enteral nutrition emerge. Conclusion: It is concluded that enteral nutrition has an influence on the comfort of the sick person and family, which may be positive or negative depending on the health context or stage of life in which it becomes necessary. More studies and new reflections on this topic must be carried out.