2.3. Randomization and the Study Protocol
NST
Randomization in permuted blocks of two and an allocation ratio of 1:1 was performed for patient allocation using a computerized automated system. The recruited participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups and were not aware of their assigned randomization group. The intervention group received consultation from the nutritional support team (NST) upon ICU admission, and nutritional supplementation was initiated on the same day. The NST is a multidisciplinary support team comprised of physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, which assesses the nutritional status of patients, determines their nutritional needs, and provides recommendations for nutritional therapy. The targets in the intervention group were protein supplementation at over 1.5 g/kg/day, calorie provision at over 20 kcal/kg/day, and energy adequacy of at least 80%. The energy target was estimated by multiplying the resting energy expenditure using the Harris and Benedict equation by an activity factor of 1.3 and a stress factor of 1.1 [