Home enteral nutrition management in postoperative oral cancer patients: an evidence summary

Abstract

This study aimed to establish a standardized management system for home enteral nutrition (HEN) for patients with postoperative oral cancer and provide scientific guidance for clinical professionals by systematically searching relevant literature and summarizing the best evidence. Literature retrieval was performed systematically across Chinese and English databases following the “5S” evidence hierarchy model to identify studies addressing home nutritional management in postoperative oral cancer patients. Eligible articles underwent rigorous screening, methodological appraisal, and data synthesis to extract high-quality clinical evidence. The final review encompassed a total of 15 articles, including 6 evidence-based guidelines, 4 systematic reviews, 1 clinical decision, 2 expert consensuses, and 2 evidence summaries. Through systematic induction and integration, a total of 29 pieces of best evidence were synthesized and categorized into five key domains: establishment of nutrition management team, nutrition screening and assessment procedures, implementation standards for HEN, health education and care strategies, and monitoring and follow-up mechanisms. The best–evidence–based evidence summarized in this study can provide a reference for the formulation of HEN management plans for postoperative patients with oral cancer. This study was conducted in accordance with the evidence summary reporting guidelines established by the Fudan University Center for Evidence-based Nursing on 10 July 2025, with the registration number ES20258489.