Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG): the role and perspective of nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To study the perspectives of nurses on (i) the process of decision-making regarding the placement of feeding gastrostomies, (ii) their role in the process, (iii) the impact this participation has on them personally and (iv) gastrostomy placement in general.


BACKGROUND
The decision to commit patients to long-term feeding using a gastrostomy tube can be very difficult, particularly when the anticipated benefits are uncertain. Strategies to improve such decision-making are required. Nurses are in an excellent position to provide valuable insights regarding this decision-making and their increased participation in this process might substantially improve it.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, exploratory design using in-depth semi-structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire.


METHODS
In-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 nurses experienced in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy decision-making were undertaken and analysed.


RESULTS
Individuals making decisions regarding feeding gastrostomy placement were observed to be insufficiently informed regarding the device and the ramifications of its placement. Nurses were perceived to play an important, although underused, role in decisions to commit patients to long-term feeding. Participation in the making of these decisions may be stressful to nurses, particularly when the only result anticipated is the sustaining of a life of poor quality. Sixteen nurses reported that they would not want to have a gastrostomy for themselves if they were unable to maintain some quality of life. Strategies that could improve decision-making were suggested.


CONCLUSIONS
Decision-making could be improved by providing better information to decision makers. A team-orientated approach and more active dialogue with regard to care planning among health professionals, especially between doctors and nurses is needed. Effective decisions regarding feeding gastrostomy placement require adequate resources, especially sufficient time for caregivers to communicate effectively with those who must make these decisions.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of nurses in decision-making regarding commitments to long-term feeding using gastrostomy tubes could be effectively augmented.
Todd
Vi
V
The University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
Van Rosendaal
Guido
G
Duregon
Kelly
K
Verhoef
Marja
M
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000451:nursing*; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires