Year 2026 / Volume 118 / Number 3
Original
Healthcare professionals’ experience with oral oligomeric supplements in malnourished patients in Spain: S-QUEST Study

139-147

DOI: 10.17235/reed.2025.11741/2025

Daniel Ceballos, Pablo B. Pedrianes Martín, María Lorente, Ignacio García-Puente, Blas Labrador, Pedro L. de Pablos Velasco,

Abstract
Background and aim: malnutrition, caused by malabsorption and maldigestion, affects nutrient intake and utilization. Early detection and interventions, such as oligomeric enteral formulas, are key to improving outcomes. This study explored healthcare professionals’ experiences with oligomeric supplements in Spain’s public healthcare system, focusing on clinical practices, patient adherence, tolerability, and benefits. Methods: the S-QUEST study was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional investigation conducted in real-world clinical settings. Healthcare providers, mainly physicians from various specialties, were surveyed electronically using an ad hoc questionnaire on nutritional screening practices for malnourished patients prescribed oligomeric supplements. Data were analyzed using SPSS® (version 25.0), with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: a total of 259 healthcare providers from 41 Spanish hospitals completed the survey. Nutritional screening was reportedly performed by 75 % of respondents, with endocrinologists and gastroenterologists indicating more frequent use (p < 0.001) and a broader range of methods. Oligomeric formulas were prescribed by 67.6 % of participants, mainly in cases involving oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea-related malnutrition. A self-reported adherence rate of 85 % was noted, with higher compliance perceived by endocrinologists and gastroenterologists. Additionally, 95 % of participants perceived oligomeric formulas as beneficial, particularly in relation to weight, stool consistency, and albumin levels. Conclusions: this study explored healthcare providers’ perceptions of oligomeric formulas in malnutrition management. Respondents, particularly endocrinologists and gastroenterologists, reported frequent use and perceived patient benefits. High self-reported adherence suggests good acceptance. Further research is needed to objectively assess outcomes and guide clinical practice and training.
Lay Summary
Malnutrition, which can occur due to conditions like malabsorption and maldigestion, can compromise the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients. Early detection and timely interventions are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This exploratory study aimed to gather insights into healthcare providers’ perceptions and reported practices regarding the use of oligomeric enteral formulas in Spanish hospitals for patients with malnutrition related to malabsorption or maldigestion. The survey focused on clinical routines, perceived adherence, tolerability, and the reported benefits of these formulas. A total of 259 healthcare professionals from 41 hospitals completed the survey. Most respondents indicated that they routinely performed nutritional screening, with endocrinologists and gastroenterologists reporting more frequent and comprehensive assessments. Oligomeric formulas were reportedly prescribed by 67.6% of participants, mainly for patients with conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea-related malnutrition. Respondents perceived various clinical improvements associated with their use, including weight gain, improved stool consistency, and albumin levels. Patient adherence was perceived to be high, particularly in patients managed by endocrinologists and gastroenterologists. These findings reflect healthcare providers’ perceptions and self-reported practices and suggest a potential role for oligomeric formulas in nutritional care, particularly within specialized settings. Further research is needed to confirm these perceptions with objective data, and enhanced training across disciplines may support more consistent and effective malnutrition management.
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Ceballos D, Pedrianes Martín P, Lorente M, García-Puente I, Labrador B, de Pablos Velasco P, et all. Healthcare professionals’ experience with oral oligomeric supplements in malnourished patients in Spain: S-QUEST Study. 11741/2025


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Publication history

Received: 15/11/2025

Accepted: 19/11/2025

Online First: 18/12/2025

Published: 06/03/2026

Article Online First time: 33 days

Article editing time: 111 days


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