Nasogastric and gastrostomy tube feeding Best Practice Statement 2003 (PDF, 102K, 14secs)
Reviewed and updated in 2007:
Caring for children and young people in the community receiving enteral tube feeding September 2007
About this Publication
This statement has been developed by the Community Children’s Nursing Network sponsored and supported by the Nursing and Midwifery Practice Development Unit and a multi-disciplinary reference group. The aim of the statement is to offer guidance to nurses, midwives and health visitors on best practice relating to the care of children in the community receiving nasogastric / gastrostomy feeding.
Tube feeding of children being cared for in the community was identified as a priority by the Community Children’s Nurse Network in consultation with their colleagues across Scotland. The statement refers to children from birth until transition to adult services (this varies between areas but usually occurs between 14 & 19 years of age) and therefore incorporates neonatal and community childrens nursing services. The statement specifically addresses issues in nasogastric and gastrostomy feeding; it does not address jejunostomy or rogastric feeding. The importance of communication and sharing of information between services is key to ensuring best practice for these children and this is reflected throughout the statement. Involving and informing
parents/carers in all aspects of care is highlighted in the statement. Children themselves are central to the statement and information provided to them should be appropriate to their age and level of understanding.
About nasogastric and gastrostomy tube feeding
Gastrostomy and nasogastric feeds can be given as bolus feeds, continuous feeding, or a combination of both. The method chosen will be the one that best meets the needs of the child (Sidey & Torbet, 1995). Research undertaken by Townsley & Robinson (2000) highlighted the problems experienced by children living in the community who require home enteral tube feeding.
These included:
- the lack of information for families about the effect of tube feeding on their child and the rest of the family
- the supply of feeds and equipment after discharge from hospital
- the lack of support for families to deal with problems arising from the care of the child
- the poor co-ordination of support services
