title: The use of nasogastric feeding tubes in nursing homes: patient, family and health care provider perspectives.
abstract: This anthropological study investigated attitudes of patients, family members, nurses, and physicians toward the use of nasogastric tube feedings in 3 nursing homes. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to obtain data. Fifty-three percent of the patients, 58% of families, and 70% of the nursing staff approved of the use of tube feedings. Diverse opinions characterized physicians' responses. Findings disclosed inadequate communication among health care providers, patients, and families, and that some families perceive the tubes as being inserted for the convenience of nursing home staff.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kayser-Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D032882:Comprehension; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009729:Nursing; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010820:Physicians; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States; D028761:Withholding Treatment