Evaluation of a discharge education protocol for pediatric patients with gastrostomy tubes

J Pediatr Health Care. 2014 Sep-Oct;28(5):420-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2014.01.002. Epub 2014 Feb 28.

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the impact of a preprocedure education protocol for children who receive a gastrostomy tube (GT).

Methods: A preintervention-postintervention design, using surveys and comparison between preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts, was used to evaluate the effect of implementation of a standardized GT education protocol with 26 subjects on caregiver, patient, and provider outcomes.

Results: The use of a preprocedure education protocol resulted in improved patient outcomes and increased caregiver knowledge and confidence and was considered a positive change by the providers.

Discussion: Often education is a forgotten part of a medical procedure, and the importance of education is typically only recognized after an adverse event occurs. Establishing a standardized evidence-based education protocol for GT care improves overall care and satisfaction. Use of a systematic and family-centered interdisciplinary approach markedly improves patient care.

Keywords: Gastrostomy; interdisciplinary; patient education; postoperative complications.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Enteral Nutrition / psychology*
  • Female
  • Gastrostomy / psychology*
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Patient Discharge
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Surveys and Questionnaires