What factors affect the decision of parents to select blended tube feeding for their gastrostomy fed child’?

Abstract

support. The documented prevalence of malnutrition in patients with chronic disease ranged from 7%-15%, and of these, 18%-34% were prescribed nutrition support (see Table 1).This is the largest survey of GP records to assess recording of malnutrition and prescription of ONS and other enteral nutrition support in adults with chronic conditions in the UK. Malnutrition was common in the chronic conditions, but overall prevalence was lower than previously reported in GP practices [4], possibly due to under-reporting by GPs, lack of screening for malnutrition, or the malnutrition criteria used (i.e. lower BMI cut off). The data in the GP database also suggests under-treatment of patients with malnutrition as more than two thirds did not receive a prescription for nutrition support, although the use of other dietary strategies/dietetic intervention could not be assessed. Further research is required to more clearly elucidate the prevalence, detection and management of malnourished patients with chronic diseases in GP practice, in the UK.

Psychosocial support for families of children with neurodisability who have or are considering a gastrostomy: the G-PATH mixed-methods study

“…92 Resourcing issues were also raised as a barrier by staff to their use, including an anticipated increase in the size of professionals' caseloads. The use of BDs post gastrostomy attests to the values parents attach to food and feeding practices, 93,94 although BDs were mainly supported for medical, rather than social, reasons in clinical arenas. Professionals had to balance the wishes of parents against professional and institutional guidance and 'supported' rather than 'recommended' BDs and, therefore, located their practice in the grey area of risk management in feeding.…”