title: Decision-making and outcomes for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a pilot study.
abstract: We undertook a retrospective review of 25 patients who had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Data regarding the clinical courses were collected, and a questionnaire was administered to patients when possible; in most cases the individual responsible for care answered questions. We pinpointed concerns relevant to the decision-making process. In a substantial proportion of cases, the clinical courses subsequent to PEG were poor. Of 21 surrogates interviewed, 33% were uncertain that proceeding to nutritional support via PEG had been the right decision. Findings indicate a need to improve the process by which decisions to treat by PEG are made, ideally including better prognostic information.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Van Rosendaal
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Verhoef
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mace
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Kinsella
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003657:Decision Making; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies