End-of-life Care: (REL-ACU-0-RD174)

Course overview

Tube feeding has been used for decades to provide nutrition and hydration to those who cannot or will not eat or drink enough to maintain nutrition and/or hydration status. The decision to place a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube can be difficult for both patients and providers. In recent years, evidence-based practice has identified the risks and benefits of PEG tube feedings. The use of feeding tubes can be beneficial for some patients; however, in many cases the risks of tube feeding may outweigh the benefits. Tube feeding is not without medical risk and can have a negative effect on quality of life. Patients and providers should evaluate a patient's prognosis and goals for treatment carefully, and discuss the risks and benefits of PEG tube placement with each patient prior to initiating a placement.