Report of a seminar and FGD on Exploring the Factors Influencing Delay in Initiation and Maintenance of ICU Nutrition

The Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, Manipal, in collaboration with the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kasturba Hospital, MAHE Manipal, organized the Seminar and Focus Group Discussion on the theme “Exploring the Factors Influencing Delay in Initiation and Maintenance of ICU Nutrition” at the Interprofessional Advanced Wound Care Centre, 5th Floor, MCON, MAHE Manipal, on 6th June 2026.

The programme commenced at 9:00 AM with an inaugural ceremony. Dr. Jyothi Chakrabarty, Head, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE Manipal, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in improving nutritional care and outcomes among critically ill patients. Dr. Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kasturba Hospital, MAHE Manipal, provided an overview of the programme and outlined the objectives of the seminar and focus group discussion. Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Chief Guest for the programme, addressed the gathering and emphasized the significance of early nutritional intervention, evidence-based practices, and the vital role of healthcare professionals in ensuring optimal nutrition for critically ill patients. Her insightful address underscored the importance of timely nutrition support in enhancing patient recovery and reducing complications. Ms. Preethi Shetty, PhD Scholar and Convener, proposed the vote of thanks.

The scientific sessions commenced with an informative session by Dr. Vishal Shanbhag on “Critical Care Nutrition and Evidence-Based Practice,” highlighting current guidelines and best practices in nutritional management of critically ill patients. Ms. Pallavi Mahesh Shettigar, Assistant Professor-Selection Grade and Coordinator, Department of Dietetics and Applied Nutrition, WGSHA-MAHE, Manipal, conducted a session on “Nutrition Assessment, Diagnosis and Estimating Nutrient Requirements,” providing practical insights into nutritional screening, assessment, and individualized nutritional planning. Ms. Preethi Shetty, PhD Scholar, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE Manipal, presented on “Empowering Nurses to Optimize Nutrition in ICU: Strategies and Challenges.” The session focused on the crucial role of nurses in initiating and maintaining nutritional support, minimizing feeding interruptions, monitoring feed tolerance, and implementing evidence-based nutritional practices in critical care settings.

A Focus Group Discussion was also conducted for exploring the factors Influencing Delay in Initiation and Maintenance of Nutrition among critically ill in ICU and the strategies to overcome it, involving multidisciplinary healthcare professionals from Critical Care Medicine, General Medicine, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Nephrology, Dietetics and Nutrition, Nurse Practitioners, and Registered Nurses. Participants were divided into groups, each comprising multidisciplinary members, to facilitate comprehensive discussions on factors influencing delays in initiation and maintenance of ICU nutrition. The discussion explored barriers to timely nutrition delivery, feeding interruptions, feed intolerance, institutional challenges, and strategies to improve nutritional outcomes through collaborative practice. The interactive session, which lasted for two hours, generated valuable insights and recommendations for strengthening nutrition care in intensive care units. The Focus Group Discussion was moderated by Dr.. Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Critical Care Medicine, KH, MAHE, Manipal

A total of 60 participants benefitted the program. The seminar and focus group discussion provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical reflection on ICU nutrition practices. Through scientific deliberations and collaborative discussions, the program contributed towards enhancing awareness and promoting evidence-based nutritional care for critically ill patients, thereby supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The event was sponsored by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Nestlé Health Science, which exemplifies a collaborative initiative between industry and academia. The overall program was coordinated by Ms. Preethi Shetty, PhD Scholar, MCON Manipa, Dr Shalini G Nayak, Assistant Professor, MCON, Manipal, and Dr Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Critical Care Medicine, KH, MAHE, Manipal.