Managing home enteral tube feeding for children.
There is a growing awareness of the long-term consequences of undernutrition in childhood. Consequently, an ever-increasing number of children are receiving nutritional support using an enteral tube. While most of the children will commence artificial feeding in hospital, a significant proportion will continue to be artificially fed on discharge into the community. This article discusses the various routes of enteral tube feeding, their indications and contraindications and problem-solving procedures. The article also discusses the issues of cooperation and coordination between acute and community services, and offers some guidance on effective discharge planning for these children.
Khair
Jamil
J
Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Children's Service, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK. jamil.khair@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D005774:Gastrostomy; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007582:Jejunostomy; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010351:Patient Discharge