Application of an ACE star model–based evidence-based enteral nutrition management protocol in neurocritical care patients

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of an evidence-based enteral nutrition management protocol guided by the ACE Star model in neurocritical care patients. Methods We collected clinical data from 82 patients admitted to the neurocritical care unit of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province. The baseline group comprised 40 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were admitted between June and September 2024. The evidence-based practice group included 42 patients meeting the same criteria and admitted between January and April 2025. We compared the two groups with respect to the incidence of feeding intolerance, rates of achieving target feeding goals, changes in serum albumin and prealbumin levels, and healthcare providers’ adherence to standardized enteral nutrition management protocols. Results Following implementation of the evidence-based protocol, the incidence of feeding intolerance decreased significantly compared with the baseline period. Improvements were also observed in serum prealbumin and albumin levels and in the proportion of patients achieving target feeding goals. Furthermore, adherence to standardized enteral nutrition practices among healthcare personnel increased significantly after implementation ( p < 0.05). Conclusion A standardized enteral nutrition management protocol based on the ACE Star evidence-based model reduces feeding intolerance, enhances nutritional status, and supports recovery in neurocritical care patients.