A feeding tube may be considered when oral intake is unsafe, exhausting or insufficient, or when medicines and fluids are difficult to give. The decision is individual and does not automatically mean stopping safe, enjoyable oral tastes.
Key points to discuss:
- What problem is the tube intended to solve: safety, nutrition, hydration, medicines, time, or several of these?
- What swallowing assessment and dietetic review have been completed?
- Which tube type is proposed, and what are the short- and long-term risks?
- Can safe oral intake continue, and how will oral care be maintained?
- What training, supplies, emergency advice and community support will be provided?
- How will benefit be reviewed after placement?
Sources:
- Consensus care guidelines: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7488790/
- The Kids nutrition resources: https://rett.thekids.org.au/resources/
Important: This post provides general information, not individual medical advice. Care and treatment must be personalised by qualified healthcare professionals. If you are worried that someone is seriously unwell, use your local urgent or emergency service.
Feeding tubes and gastrostomy: questions for the care team
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Important: Experiences shared by members are for support and information only and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Important: Experiences shared by members are for support and information only and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.