Knowledge Levels and Practices About the Enteral Nutritional Practices of Informal Caregivers Caring for Patients Fed Through a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube

This research aimed to evaluate informal caregivers' knowledge of and practices with enteral nutrition in caring for patients fed through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. Knowledge levels of caregivers about nutritional practices and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube care practices for patients fed enterally are important to prevent possible complications associated with the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube in the early period. The research sample for this descriptive observational study consisted of 126 individuals caring for patients fed through a gastrostomy tube. Knowledge and practices of caregivers were evaluated using a knowledge survey and a practice survey. The knowledge (18.90 ± 3.13; range = 0-24) and practice scores (13.41 ± 1.45; range = 0-15) of the caregivers about tube feeding were above the mean. Caregiver confusion was noted around practical aspects of care such as tube care verification of tube position, and care of the insertion site. Elderly caregivers and those with a low education level need more support about enteral nutrition when caring for patients fed through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. It is recommended that the nutrition nurse and other health team members provide more regular training to informal caregivers of patients fed with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes.