AMDA Foundation - Study Looks at Why We Use Feeding Tubes

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Vol XI, Jan `05

Study Looks at Why We Use Feeding Tubes

Vol XI, Jan `05

A feeding tube study inspired by a Research Network workgroup and conducted as a pilot by Network members, poses two questions: Why are so many feeding tubes still be inserted? Why is there such variability in feeding tube usage geographically? Chris Patterson, MD, who is lead investigator on this study, said, "We are putting in feed tubes with no more thought than we give an I.V. My hypothesis is that so many feeding tubes are inserted because there is a bias toward using them." Patterson and his co-investigators (Peggy Russell, DO, CMD; Ann Moore, DO; Charles Crecelius, MD, CMD; Joshua Schor, MD; and David Smith, MD, CMD) are using surveys (completed by the individuals who actually sign feeding tube informed consent forms) to:

Determine the overall process, diagnosis, and demographics of who gets feeding tubes
Look at those patients who were offered feeding tubes and declined, and why they declined
Compare satisfaction with the informed consent process in the hospital versus the nursing home

To date, the researchers have piloted the survey with about 50 patients. Based on feedback, they currently are in the process of revising their survey to make it more user friendly. According to Patterson, they hope to have a revised survey ready shortly and results by next summer.