Diane Barrett1, Vincent Li1, Sue Merrick1, Aravinth Murugananthan2, Helen Steed2,3. 1. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Royal Wolverhampton National Health Service Trust, Wolverhampton, UK. 2. Department of Gastroenterology, The Royal Wolverhampton National Health Service Trust, Wolverhampton, UK. 3. The Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Enteral feeding tubes are associated with their most serious complications in the days and weeks after insertion, but there are limited published data in the literature on late complications and the implications for the healthcare service. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of attendances to a UK hospital emergency department (ED), with enteral tube complications as the primary reason for attendance. RESULTS: Over 24 months, 139 attendances were recorded. Dislodged tubes and blocked tubes accounted for the majority of complications and subsequent admissions, with a mixture of enteral tube types being associated with both. Thirty-five percent of patients were admitted, and the average healthcare cost per attendance was $1071. CONCLUSION: Enteral tube complications can place a hidden burden on the patient, the ED, and healthcare costs. More work on education and supporting caregivers to resolve problems themselves could reduce the burden on busy EDs.
BACKGROUND: Enteral feeding tubes are associated with their most serious complications in the days and weeks after insertion, but there are limited published data in the literature on late complications and the implications for the healthcare service. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of attendances to a UK hospital emergency department (ED), with enteral tube complications as the primary reason for attendance. RESULTS: Over 24 months, 139 attendances were recorded. Dislodged tubes and blocked tubes accounted for the majority of complications and subsequent admissions, with a mixture of enteral tube types being associated with both. Thirty-five percent of patients were admitted, and the average healthcare cost per attendance was $1071. CONCLUSION: Enteral tube complications can place a hidden burden on the patient, the ED, and healthcare costs. More work on education and supporting caregivers to resolve problems themselves could reduce the burden on busy EDs.
Authors: Osman Mohamed Elfadil; Edel Keaveney; Ankitaben Patel; Marwa G Abdelmagid; Ishani Patel; Jalpan Patel; Ryan T Hurt; Manpreet S Mundi Journal: Med Devices (Auckl) Date: 2022-08-05