Understanding nutrition practices in critically ill adults

Nutrition Practice in Critically Ill Adults - an Observational Study

Observational Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre · NCT06576895

This study looks at how critically ill adults in intensive care are fed to see what works best and how to improve nutrition care in hospitals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAustralian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Melbourne, Victoria)
Trial IDNCT06576895 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess current nutrition practices for critically ill adults in intensive care units across Australia and New Zealand. By collecting data on nutrition provision and patient preferences, the study seeks to identify gaps and inform future models of nutrition care. Observational data will be gathered at multiple time points during and after ICU stays, ultimately creating a comprehensive database on nutrition care in critical illness. The findings will contribute to improving nutrition strategies and addressing hospital-acquired malnutrition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 years or older who are admitted to the ICU and remain there for at least 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients who are admitted for palliative care or are deemed ready for discharge within 48 hours may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutrition care models that enhance recovery outcomes for critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this study addresses a critical gap in nutrition practices, similar observational studies have shown promise in improving care models in other healthcare settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years or older
2. Admitted to ICU after 00:00 on the date of study commencement
3. Remain in ICU for ≥ 48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who have been deemed ready to be discharged by the treating team within 48 hours of ICU admission but have not been able to be discharged within 48 hours of ICU admission for logistical reasons (e.g., due to bed unavailability, inability to return home)
2. Patients who have been admitted for palliative care or organ donation or made palliative within 48 hours of ICU admission

Where this trial is running

Melbourne, Victoria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Critical IllnessIntensive CareNutrition
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.