Critical analysis of caregiver perceptions regarding gastrostomy tube placement.
BACKGROUND
Gastrostomy tubes (GT) are often required to safely provide nutrition in children with feeding disorders and aspiration risk. The need for a GT brings with it known risks, complications, and benefits, but caregivers may have unspoken concerns and expectations. The present study was done to assess caregiver concerns, expectations, and satisfaction with GT placement in children.


METHODS
A two-part retrospective and prospective study was conducted to assess caregiver concerns and expectations related to GT placement, to determine which concerns and expectations came to fruition, and to rate overall satisfaction with the GT. Questionnaires were used to collect data before and after GT placement. A visual analog scale (VAS) score was used to determine degree of concern and satisfaction.


RESULTS
Sixty-four children (19 retrospective, 45 prospective) completed the study. Concern score by VAS was evenly distributed with a mean value of 47.4 +/- 31.8. Concerns were realized in 25%; expectations were met in 93%. Feeding time decreased following GT placement. Satisfaction was reported as satisfied (23.6%), pleased (16.4%), or very pleased (60.0%).


CONCLUSIONS
Despite pre-placement concerns, most caregivers reported being pleased with the GT following placement. Concerns that occurred were of minor medical significance. Most expectations were met, in particular improved nutrition. The present study provides insight into caregiver concerns and expectations, and which are likely to occur. This information can be useful when counseling caregivers of children requiring GT.
Divisions of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA.
Melissa
M
Wilson
John
J
Gosche
Phyllis
P
Bishop
Hua
H
Liu
Tiffany
T
Moore
Michael J
MJ
Nowicki
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003376:Counseling; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies