Perceptions of admissions for enteral tube related issues
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study of patients’ and carers’ perceptions of hospital admission for enteral tube related issues
IRAS ID
185295
Contact name
SM Green
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
People who are unable to eat and drink enough to meet their nutritional needs may have a tube inserted into their stomach or small intestine so liquid food and water can be given. The number of people living at home receiving food through a tube into their stomach or small intestine (enteral tube feeding) is increasing. Problems can occur with the tube, which result in the person being admitted to hospital. Some of the problems which cause hospital admission could potentially be managed at home if the right services are in place.
There have been little investigation of patients or carers experiences of hospital admission for tube related problems and their views on what could support them to manage their tubes at home. The views of patients and carers is crucial to inform the design of services for people with enteral tubes.
Up to 25 people living at homes who have an enteral tube and up to 25 of their carers will be interviewed individually by a researcher. The interview will explore with the person their experience of hospital admission for an enteral tube related problem and their view on how admissions could be avoided.
The interviews will be analysed and summarised by identifying the main themes in the interviews. The results will be published with the aim of informing services for people with tubes as to how best to support people with enteral tubes living in the community.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1359
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion