The number of patients receiving home enteral feeding has increased considerably in recent years. It is now estimated that more than twice as many patients receive enteral nutrition in the community compared with those in hospital.
Treatment is usually initiated in secondary care, but GPs can also refer patients for elective home enteral nutrition with outpatient feeding tube placement. PEG Tubes are the easiest feeding tubes to manage in the community.
Patients are managed by a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary team, including a dietitian and district nurse. They may also be invited to attend a hospital PEG review clinic.
GPs are responsible for co-ordinating community services, so should be informed of all patients discharged on enteral feeding and any feeding regime changes. Feed preparations and regimens are generally advised by dieticians and prescribed by GPs.Manufacturing companies will deliver stock directly to patients’ homes.
Patients and/or carers must be trained in the use of enteral feeding pumps and systems and how to deal with simple problems. Unfortunately, blocked tubes are still a common problem.
Patients and/or carers should also be aware of the potential hazards of tube feeding and encouraged to contact relevant health professionals in emergency situations
Mini-Buttons
The Button is a smaller device, which doesn’t stick out as much from your child’s tummy. It has a detachable extension set, which is used to give food or medications.
The Button is held in place by a small balloon filled with water which, when inflated, sits inside against the stomach wall. The outer past of the Button keeps the device secure on the outside of from oral nutrition supplements to tube feeds.
Abbott supply a wide range of resources for patients, caregivers and healthcare professional, including a free nutrition helpline. See www.abbott.co.uk.
