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1 East Hull PCT East Yorkshire PCT Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Therapy Services Partnership West Hull PCT Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCT GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ENTERAL TUBE FEEDING IN ADULTS February 2006

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East Hull PCT East Yorkshire PCT Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Therapy Services Partnership West Hull PCT Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCT

GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ENTERAL TUBE FEEDING IN ADULTS February 2006

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CONTENTS Section 1 Introduction 4 Section 2 Rationale for Nutritional Support 5 2.1. Malnutrition 5 2.2. Enteral Tube Feeding 5 2.3. Home Enteral Tube Feeding 8 Section 3 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nutritional Support 9 Section 4 Routes of Access for Administration of Enteral Nutrition 13 4.1. Aim 13 4.2. Access Routes Available 13 4.3. Selecting Route of Administration 14 4.4. Nasoenteric Feeding Tubes 15 4.5. Gastrostomy Feeding Tubes 20 4.6. Low Profile Gastrostomy Devices 24 4.7. Jejunostomy Feeding Tubes 27 Section 5 Management of The Patient, Enteral Feeding Tube and Administration System 33 5.1. Management of Patient 33 5.2. Management of Hygiene Issues 36 5.3. Management of Feeding Tubes 38 5.4. Management of Gastrostomy and Jejunostomy Tube Sites (Stomas) 45 5.5. Management of the Feed 50 5.6. Management of Feeding Equipment 54 5.7. Management of Medicines 57 5.8. Documentation 60 Section 6 Discharging a Patient on Home Enteral Tube Feeding 62 6.1. Planning for Discharge 62 6.2. Education 62 6.3. Provision of Feed and Ancillary Items 64 6.4. Communication 65 6.5. Home Enteral Tube Feeding Register 65 6.6. Patient/Carer Support 66 6.7. Sample Discharge Summary 66 Section 7 Community Follow Up and Review 67 7.1. Frequency of Review 67 7.2. Parameters to be Reviewed 68 7.3. Transitional Feeding 71 7.4. Discontinuing Home Enteral Tube Feeding 71

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7.5. Removal of Feeding Tubes 71 Appendices Appendix 1 Procedure for fine bore nasogastric tube Insertion 74 Appendix 2 Patient Safety Alert 05 76 Appendix 3 Risk Assessment for the Insertion of PEG Tubes 77 Appendix 4 Guidelines for Oral Hygiene for the Dependent Dysphagic Patient 84 Appendix 5 Risk Assessment of Patient’s Susceptibility to Infection 89 Appendix 6 Cleaning and re-use of syringes 91 Appendix 7 Drug Interactions with feeds and PVC feeding Tubes 92 Appendix 8 Discharge documentation 95 Appendix 9 Useful References 99 Acknowledgements 100 Review Date 100

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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Major changes have taken place in the last twenty years in the provision of nutritional support. This has been caused by a number of factors including developments in healthcare technology, changes in clinical practice and growing numbers of elderly patients. In 2004/05 up to 350 adults and children in Hull and the East Riding received enteral nutrition outside the acute hospital setting. These people were managed either in their own home, nursing or residential homes. The needs of some patients are complex and can be relatively short term or indefinite. This document is a review of existing guidance first developed in 2002 by representatives of a wide professional background and from a variety of local health organisations. Decision-making and practices during a hospital admission impact on home management. These guidelines therefore include all aspects of the management of enteral tube feeding and apply to both primary and secondary care settings. These guidelines, designed for healthcare professionals, offer clinical advice in sections 2-7 for managing the pathway of care for this group of patients, e.g. • Need for enteral feeding identified, discussed and agreed. • Insertion of enteral feeding tube. • Enteral tube feeding established. • Long term management of home enteral tube feeding. 1 They are not rigid protocols and should be used in conjunction with clinical judgement and take into account local service provision. 2

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SECTION 2 RATIONALE FOR NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT 2.1. Malnutrition It is widely accepted that adequate nutrition plays an important role in maintaining optimal health (BAPEN 1994). Undernutrition is the consequence of a nutritional intake that does not meet nutritional needs as a result of one or more of the following: • Decreased dietary intake. • Increased nutritional requirements. • Impaired ability to absorb or utilise nutrients. The effects of under-nutrition if untreated are not limited to structural changes, such as loss of body tissue but can result in widespread physiological and functional effects as the body tries to adapt to the conditions of starvation and nutritional deficiencies. These effects may include: • Impaired immune function. • Delayed wound healing. • Increased risk of tissue breakdown. • Muscle wasting and weakness which can affect:-

- Respiratory function. - Cardiac function. - Mobility.

• Altered structure of the small intestine which can result in malabsorption. • Increased risk of post-operative complications. • Apathy and depression. • General sense of weakness and illness. 3 In summary, under-nutrition can lead to considerable increases in:- • Morbidity. • Mortality. • Costs associated with recovery. 2.2. Enteral Tube Feeding When the gut is functional and accessible, the enteral route of support is the preferred choice.

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Enteral tube feeding should be considered in patients who need nutrition support, ie - Unintentional weight loss, >10% over the last 3-6 months - BMI<18.5 - BMI<20 and unintentional weight loss >5% over the last 3-6 months - Not eaten for >5 days or not likely to eat for >5days and who have a functional accessible gastrointestinal tract but an inadequate or unsafe oral intake(NICE, 2005) Examples of such situations are : • Hypermetabolism. Major surgery, sepsis, trauma, burns, organ transplantation, HIV/AIDS. • Neurological disease. Stroke, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, head injury, demyelinating disease. • Gastrointestinal Oesophageal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease. disease, short bowel syndrome, pancreatic insufficiency (eg cystic fibrosis), gastrectomy. • Cancer. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy, surgery. • Psychiatric disease. Anorexia nervosa, severe depression. • Organ system failure. Respiratory failure, renal failure, cardiac failure, hepatic failure. • Learning disability. Cerebral palsy, Rett syndrome. Enteral tube feeding may need to be instigated earlier if the patient is already malnourished. 2.2.1. Neurological Disease Swallowing problems are often associated with neurological impairment, effecting up to 50% of patients admitted to hospital with acute stroke, as well as patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and patients who have suffered serious brain injury. Swallowing problems can put patients at risk of aspiration, pneumonia, dehydration and malnutrition. Assessment of the patient’s ability to swallow safely may include videofluoroscopy, bedside testing and fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [FEES]. The role of the dietitian and speech and language therapist is pivotal to decision making.

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The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, 1997, have made the following recommendations in relation to the management of swallowing problems following acute stroke: • All such patients should have their swallow assessed as soon as possible by appropriately trained personnel, using a simple validated bedside testing protocol (not the gag reflex). • Any patient with an abnormal swallow should be seen by a speech and language therapist who should assess further and advise the patient and staff on safe swallow and consistency of diet and fluids. • Such patients should be screened by appropriately trained personnel, using a valid nutritional screening tool, as soon as possible after admission. • Individual units should have local guidelines on,

a) how to screen for swallow impairment b) the use of videofluoroscopy and if available, FEES c) the use of enteral feeding (NG/PEG) in swallow impaired

patients.

• Decisions regarding the appropriateness of enteral feeding may be particularly difficult and/or contentious. Such decisions should take account of the views of the patient (if appropriate), their relatives/carer and all the members of the multidisciplinary team. The ethical and legal aspects of nutritional support must be taken into account (see Section 3). 5 2.2.2. Dementia Patients with advanced dementia frequently develop eating difficulties and weight loss. Healthcare professionals and the public do not always view advanced dementia as a terminal illness and it is easy to lose sight of the fact that ‘not eating’ may be a facet of the dying process and not the cause. Recent reviews of the literature have shown that the use of feeding tubes in advanced dementia are generally ineffective in prolonging life, preventing aspiration and can have adverse consequences, principally the need for pharmacological or physical restraint (Gillick, 2000).

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With this group of patients: • Reasonable alternatives to tube feeding should be explored e.g. altering flavours, amounts, consistency and availability of food. • Carers should be educated with regard to these alternatives. • Increased assistance with eating should be provided when necessary. • The practice of tube feeding should be carefully considered. 2.3. Home Enteral Tube Feeding (HETF) Enteral tube feeding is usually commenced in hospital and may often be required to continue in the community. In many situations the decision to use home enteral tube feeding is straightforward. It provides patients with adequate nutrition and allows them to return to a familiar environment where relationships with family and friends can be resumed. It can give a degree of independence and some patients may be able to continue or return to work or education. In other situations, for example, where the patient is elderly or suffering from terminal illness, the rationale for home enteral tube feeding should be weighed against the patient’s quality of life. In these cases the decision should be made as soon as possible involving the patient, carer and all members of the multidisciplinary team, (clinician, dietitian, nurse, social worker and speech and language therapist). Further guidance can be obtained through the GMC. 6 References: Elia, M., Cottee, S., Holden, C et al. Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition in the Community. Report by BAPEN working party. London: BAPEN, (1994). Gillick, M.R., (2000). Rethinking the Role of Tube Feeding in Patients with Advanced Dementia. New England Journal of Medicine, 342, (3) 20 January,206-210. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, (November 1997). Management of Patients with Stroke; Identification and Management of Dysphagia. NICE Guidance (2005) Nutrition Support in Adults 7

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SECTION 3 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT 3.1. Tube feeding permits maintenance of tissue metabolism and structure even though a patient cannot eat anything, or enough to regain health. Tube feeding is a medical treatment for which permission is required from competent patients. Adequate consultation is needed when such treatments are started, stopped or continued in the long-term for incompetent patients. It is likely that patients and their relatives will increasingly expect good nutritional care as part of medical treatment. It is also likely that the public will increasingly accept that hydration or nutrition via a tube should not be used when it impairs the dignity and comfort of those who are dying, or prolongs the life of anyone who has permanently lost the attributes of a person due to severe or irreversible brain injury or disorder. The most frequent ethical debate concerned with a patient’s nutrition relates to the prolongation of life, particularly of those with a severe neurological deficit and those in the terminal stages of illness. A professional carer has a duty to prolong life but not to inappropriately prolong dying. In the report of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ‘Ethical and Legal Aspects of Clinical Hydration and Nutritional Support’, it recommends that healthcare professionals have an ethical duty to recognise and treat malnutrition, usually by attention to drinking and eating as part of optimal care for patients. Only in certain circumstances when such care prolongs the period of dying or maintains an unacceptable quality of life should positive nutritional treatment to provide a normal intake be reconsidered and possibly withdrawn. In ethical terms there is no distinction between withholding or withdrawing a treatment; in emotional terms it is more difficult to withdraw a treatment once begun than not to start it. For this reason there can sometimes be a reluctance to commence tube feeding for fear it will be difficult to stop. In such circumstances it may be appropriate to start treatment for a time limited period with the provision that the outcome will be reviewed at the end of a specified period of time or earlier if need be and stopped, changed or continued as appropriate. Ethical problems at this stage can usually be pre-empted if they have been discussed with the patient (if possible), the family and the healthcare team from the outset. 8

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The sanctity of human life is a strongly held belief in many religions. When religious belief conflicts with medical opinion, legal judgements have ruled that personal conviction cannot over-ride public policy. Competent adults have the legal right to refuse treatment and their decisions should not be overridden by healthcare professionals. However it is important that the patient is deemed competent. Some patients do not wish to exercise their right of choice and prefer to leave the decisions to those who care for them, this usually implies acceptance of treatment recommended. For an incompetent adult the final arbiter of whether treatment is given is the treating doctor, who must make a decision in the patient’s best interest. In difficult clinical situations it is recommended that a second opinion should be sought from another senior clinician or a clinical ethics committee. The Council of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition issued a report in 1998, entitled “Giving or withholding fluid and nutrients”. The Summary and Recommendations are as follows: 1. A patient who can swallow and expresses a desire or willingness to

drink or eat, should be encouraged and assisted to do so and provided with appropriate fluid and nutrients as part of basic care.

2. Carers concerned with nutrition should work together as a team; each discipline contributes a different skill and each carer has a view on ethical issues. 3. A treatment plan regarding fluid and/or nutrient provision should be made for any patient with an existing or probable future fluid or nutrient deficit. 4. If the plan is to maintain an adequate intake, appropriate measures should be taken, with the patient’s consent, to achieve this. 5. If the plan is to provide compassionate care for relief of symptoms during the terminal phase of illness, oral fluid and food should be given according to the patient’s wishes and ability to swallow; fluid given through a tube should only be given if it is needed to relieve thirst. 6. Fluid given via a tube is regarded in law as a medical treatment. Some professionals regard tube feeding, especially in infants, to be part of basic medical care. 7. Consent of a competent adult patient must be sought for any treatment, especially an invasive measure such as hydration or feeding through a

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tube and a refusal is binding. Competence depends on adequate thought processes to make the decision needed. It is ethically and legally wrong for a carer to underestimate the capacity of a patient in order to achieve what the carer believes to be in the patient’s best interest. 9 8. For an incompetent adult patient, the doctor undertaking care is responsible in law for any decision to withhold, give or withdraw a medical treatment. Any previously expressed views about the type of treatment the patient would wish to receive, especially if there is written corroborative evidence, carry weight. Full consultation with the family and the health care team is needed from the outset, but under present English law, relatives or a nominated proxy cannot make a decision on behalf of an adult patient. Good practice guidelines are available from the GMC, including the involvement of a second opinion on withdrawal of feeding. 9. Special considerations apply regarding the responsibility of parents to make a decision on behalf of their child and consent for treatment of adolescents. 10. Application to the court should be made regarding the legality of withdrawing a tube feed from a patient in a vegetative state. 11. Under carefully specified circumstances, it can be legal to enforce a tube feed for an unwilling patient with mental disorder, including anorexia nervosa. 12. When tube feeding is continued after leaving hospital there is a duty to ensure that the patient, daily carers and the community health team are adequately instructed in the technique and possible complications. 3.2. Persistent Vegetative State The diagnosis of persistent vegetative state is not easy and must be made formally (using recognised diagnostic criteria) before it can be used as a basis for other decisions. Feeding is a medical treatment. Consent for any medical treatment cannot be given by a relative but requires either the consent of the patient or a judgement that such treatment is in the patient’s best interest.The latter may be referred for legal consideration. Patients in the vegetative state are unable to give consent, both literally and legally (in terms of their mental capacity). Therefore they can only be

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treated if it is in their best interests. That question can be referred to the High Court. The question is not whether it is in the best interests of the patient that he/she should die. The question is whether it is in the best interests of the patient that his/her life should be prolonged by the continuance of this form of medical treatment or care. In every case the High Court has decided that a patient in the permanent vegetative state does not benefit from continued treatment. It does not decree that the treatment must stop. 10 References: British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Feeding. Ethical and Legal Aspects of Clinical Hydration and Nutritional Support. (ISBN 1-899467-25-4). British Medical Association, (1999). Withholding and Withdrawing Life Prolonging Medical Treatment. Guidance for Decision Making. Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London, (1999). 33, No. 1 Jan/Feb, 39-45. Giving or Witholding Fluid and Nutrients, Ethical and Legal Aspects. 11

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SECTION 4 ROUTES OF ACCESS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF ENTERAL NUTRITION 4.1. Aim The aim of this section is to ensure that, once the decision to feed enterally has been made, the route of access chosen is: • Appropriate with regard to clinical condition. • Safe and comfortable for the patient. • Secure. 4.2. Access Routes Available The three main routes of access are:- • Nasoenteric (nasogastric, nasoduodenal,nasojejunal). • Gastrostomy.(percutanous endoscopic,surgically inserted,percutaneous radiologically inserted – all can be converted to low profile devices) • Jejunostomy.(percutaneous endoscopic, radiologically inserted, surgically inserted) This document currently covers only nasogastric tubes and endoscopically placed gastrostomy and jejunostomy feeding tubes. It does not provide guidance on specialist procedures, that is surgically placed and radiologically placed gastrostomy/jejunostomy feeding tubes. For information regarding care of these specialist devices it is essential that advice is always sought from the initiating clinician (consultant).

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4.3. Selecting Route of Administration The route selected predominately depends upon:-

• The anticipated duration of feeding. • The functional status of the gastro-intestinal tract. • The potential for aspiration.

NO YES

YES NO YES NO *It may be difficult to maintain the tip of the transgastric jejunostomy in the jejunum as it can potentially reflux back into the stomach. If this problem becomes persistent and ongoing, it might be beneficial to convert the tube to a surgically inserted jejunostomy tube. There are always exceptions to these guidelines and other factors which

Does patient require enteral tube feeding for >2-4 weeks?

Feed via nasoenteric tube

Feed via enterostomy tube

At risk of aspiration OR dysfunctional upper GI tract At risk of aspiration OR

dysfunctional upper GI tract

Nasoduodenal/ nasojejunal tube

Nasogastric tube

Jejunostomy tube or transgastric jejunostomy*

Gastrostomy tube

Trial nasogastric tube for 2 weeks

Cease tube feeding

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should be considered in making the decision to feed must also be considered when choosing the route of access, for example :-

• Availability of local technical expertise. • Potential complications of tube insertion. • The patient’s prognosis. • The patient’s general medical condition.

In the acute setting eg following stroke, dysphagic patients unable to safely swallow or take sufficient energy and nutrients orally should have an initial 2 week trial of nasogastric tube feeding while assessing the prognosis (NICE 2005) 1I InInnn3 4.4. Nasoenteric Feeding Tubes Description A nasoenteric feeding tube refers to any feeding tube that is placed nasally into the oesophagus and beyond. They should be referenced by the location of the tip. For example: Tip in stomach - Nasogastric tube Tip in duodenum - Nasoduodenal tube Tip in jejunum - Nasojejunal tube Indications • When feeding is likely to be necessary for 4 weeks or less • When access via other routes is inappropriate or unachievable at the time. Contraindications • Long term feeding, that is >4 weeks. • Oesophageal strictures. • Fistulae eg oesophageal perforation.

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• Nasal fractures and bleeds. • Basal skull fractures. NOTE: Oesophageal varices, whilst not a contraindication to nasogastric feeding, requires caution with tube insertion. It would be advisable to seek expert help with such patients. 14 GUIDANCE ON ACHIEVING ACCESS 4.4.1. Which nasoenteric tube to use 15

Situation

Tube

Rationale

Patient requires tube feeding for <4 weeks

Choose nasoenteric tube

Less invasive, most cost effective and safest method of delivery of enteral feed

Gastrointestinal tract is functional and patient is not at risk of aspiration

Choose nasogastric tube

Easiest nasoenteric tu be to place and maintain position

Gastrointestinal tract is dysfunctional and/or patient at risk of aspiration

Choose nasojejunal tube

Less invasive, most cost effective, safest small bowel access

Nasoduodenal/ nasojejunal access required

Choose tube > 109 cms long

To enable tip to reach correct position

Nasogastric tube for enteral tube feeding alone and not gastric aspiration

Choose polyurethane/ silicone tube in 8-12 French gauge

PVC tubes >12 French gauge eg. Ryles or Levin tubes can result in rhinitis, pharyngitis, oesophagitis, oesophageal strictures and gastritis. This reduces patient comfort, ability to eat and therefore likelihood of compliance. Both drugs and high fibre feeds can be administered via 8 French gauge and above

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4.4.2. Insertion of nasoenteric tube

Situation

Action

Rationale

Consent Informed consent for insertion should be obtained from the patient/carer by a person able to carry out the procedure.

To facilitate informed patient and/or carer choice

Nasogastric tube insertion

Insert the tube as per local protocol and national guidelines. This should be done by a trained member of staff (see Appendix 1) Burnham, P. 2000 If replacing a tube, swap to alternate nostril

To minimise potential complications, e.g. Pulmonary aspiration Naso pharyngeal haemorrhage Pulmonary haemorrhage Pneumothorax Oesophageal perforations

Nasoduodenal/ Nasojejunal tube insertion

Achieve nasoduodenal/ nasojejunal placement by:- • Nasogastric placement accompanied by an intravenous prokinetic agent Kalliafas, S et al. 1996 • Endoscopic or fluoroscopic method

• 75% successful. Useful if equipment and technical expertise unavailable for more reliable methods of placement. Also inexpensive • 98% reliable Reserved for those patients on whom bedside techniques fail

Fixation Anchor the tube securely to the cheek keeping it out of the patient’s visual fields and avoiding friction to the nose

Reduces the risk of displacement/dislodgement

Documentation Measure and record the length of tubing remaining from nostril to tip Document the position of the tube

Gives baseline against which to assess possible tube displacement

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4.4.3. Checking position of nasoenteric tube Further information can be found in Appendix 2, Patient Safety Notice 2005

Situation Action

Rationale

Methods of checking position of NG tube

Keep guidewire in situ and check position of the tip of the feeding tube – • Testing of aspirated gastric contents with pH sensitive paper strips can confirm position. Sufficient aspirate is required (0.5-1.0ml), allowing 10 seconds for any colour changes to occur. A reading of pH5.5 or below is required – there are no known reports of pulmonary aspirates at or below this level If in doubt or pH is above 6.0 then wait 1 hour and repeat. The pH sensitive strip method of confirming position should only be carried out by trained and experienced members of staff If in doubt do not commence feeding but seek advice

Reduces risk of intrapulmonary administration of feed which can be fatal • 86% reliable • X-ray not required if pH <5.5 and external length of tubing is unchanged • More likely to have false positive than negative results Factors unrelated to the position of the tube can elevate pH:- • H2 antagonists • Proton pump inhibitors • Antacids. Gastric acid may be diluted by feed – waiting 1 hour allows the stomach to empty and pH to fall

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• Chest/abdominal x- ray to confirm position

Metheny, N et al. (1990) Newman, MJ et al. (1995) Metheny, N et al. (1995) NHS National Patient Safety Agency Patient Safety Alert 05, 21 February 2005

• Gold standard • 99% reliable

Checking position of nasoduodenal or nasojejunal tube

• Visual confirmation at time of fluoroscopic placement of nasoduodenal/ nasojejunal tubes is usually sufficient • However, position should generally be confirmed by x-ray 8-12 hours after placement Metheny , N et al (1994)

• Reduces unnecessary time and expense of employing other position confirmation techniques at this stage• NJ tubes can be displaced during withdrawal of endoscope • Auscultation and pH aspiration techniques can be inconclusive

Removing guidewire

Once position confirmed, remove guidewire

To improve patient comfort as guidewire makes tube rigid and uncomfortable

Re-use of guidewire Do not re-use Single use device

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4.4.4. Documentation 18

Information

Action Rationale

Consent Ensure consent is obtained and documented in medical notes DHSSPS (2003)

To provide a legal record of consent

Tube details Document make of tube, French gauge and batch number in medical notes

French gauge will determine which enteral formulae can be used Batch number will ensure traceability

Date Document date of tube insertion

To help determine when tube needs to be replaced

External tubing Document length of tubing visible

To help determine if tube has been displaced

4.5. Gastrostomy Feeding Tubes All patients will be assessed according to local policy ( Appendix 3) to determine suitability for PEG feeding, and a MDT decision made. Description A gastrostomy feeding tube is one which has been inserted directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach. The tube is secured by a soft spongy balloon or bumper on the inside and a firm plastic/polyurethane fixation device on the outside. Most are inserted by the percutaneous endoscopic technique (PEG) and the pull technique is favoured. They can also be inserted surgically or under radiological guidance. Indication • When feeding is likely to be necessary for more than 2- 4 weeks. Contraindications Absolute • Mechanical obstruction of the GI tract (pylorus and more distal).

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• Imminent death. • Uncorrected coagulopathy. • Ascites. Relative • Previous gastric surgery. • Morbid obesity. • Gastro-oesophageal reflux with risk of aspiration. • Enteric fistulae. • Liver disease. • Portal hypertension. • Crohn’s disease. • Severe diarrhoea. • Protracted vomiting. • Intestinal dysmotility. NOTE: The list is not exhaustive and particular individual circumstances mayprevent or preclude successful tube placement. 19 GUIDANCE ON ACHIEVING ACCESS 4.5.1. Which gastrostomy tube placement technique to use 20

Situation s T Tube Rationale Long-term Feeding (2-4 weeks)

P PEG Most secure route for long term feeding. Obviates need for pulmonary intubation tests

Oesophageal obstruction

• Radiologically inserted gastrostomy • Surgical gastrostomy

Access to the stomach without resorting to anaesthesia and surgery Convenient at laparotomy. Alternative to radiological insertion

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4.5.2. Insertion of percutateous endoscopic gastrostomy tube – aspects of technique 21

Situation S

Action

Rationale

Consent Informed consent should be obtained from the patient/carer by a person able to carry out the procedure

To facilitate informed patient and/or carer choice

Coagulopathies Coagulopathies (including therapeutic anticoagulation) should be corrected preoperatively

To prevent bleeding complications

Prophylactic antibiotics

The patient should be assessed for risk of infection prior to insertion of gastrostomy tube in relation to antibiotic prophylaxis British Society of Gastroenterology (1996)

Evidence would suggest that prophylactic antibiotics may reduce peristomal infection

Sedation

Sedation should be used cautiously as patients are often elderly or frail

To prevent respiratory depression and hypoxia

Monitoring

Vital functions (and specifically SAO2) should be monitored throughout the procedure

Early detection of cardiorespiratory complications

Aspiration

Nasopharyngeal suction must be available as the procedure is usually done with patient supine

Patients having PEG placement are at particular risk of aspiration

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PEG placement

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations

Technique can vary between different products

Locating the stomach

Transillumination of the abdominal wall is recommended. Optimum site is identified by indentation/ transillumination

Prevents injury due to interposition of bowel

Fixation

The fixation device should be flush with but not tight to the skin. Sutures are not normally required

To prevent leakage from stomach and avoid pressure necrosis

4.5.3. Documentation As per nasoenteric tube Section 4.4.4. 4.5.4. Complications of gastrostomy insertion EARLY (30 days or under) • Bowel perforation. • Haemorrhage. • Peritonitis. • Aspiration. LATE (over 30 days) • Diarrhoea. • Alterations in drug absorption and metabolism. • Various metabolic disturbances. • Site infection. • Granulation tissue. • Peristomal leakage. • Tube blockage. • Tube dislodgement. • Tube migration.

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• Mortality with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes. A PEG can be sited successfully in 97% of cases. Procedure related mortality is approximately 0.5%. The 30-day mortality is 4-26% depending upon case selection and is usually the result of underlying disease. The risk of severe complications is 1-5% and mild complications 8-30%. 4.6. Low Profile Gastrostomy Devices Description Low profile gastrostomy devices (LPGDs) are alternatives to the traditional gastrostomy tube. These devices sit flush at skin level and no tubing extends outside the patient’s abdomen. There are two types of LPGDs: obturated and non-obturated. All have antireflux valves designed to prevent backflow of stomach contents through the top of the tube. 22 The obturated device has a one-way valve that prevents gastric reflux and a mushroom shaped dome with holes acts as an internal anchoring device. The device has an external skin disk with a flap and plug for closing the abdominal opening. The dome is stretched for placement in the stomach by using a special introducer called an obturator. Because the dome tip remains larger than the stoma judicious pressure is required to place the tube therefore the gastrostomy tract must be well healed, at least 3 months from time of initial PEG tube placement before the devices can be placed (Townsend, 1991). The non-obturated device has an external skin disk and an internal balloon anchoring device with a flow through tip that allows feed to flow into the stomach. There is an anti-reflux valve. It does not require judicious pressure for insertion and is stabilised by a balloon that is inflated with sterile water. It may be used with a mature tract after a minimum of 3 months. Advantages of LPGDs • Aesthetically pleasing. • Does not interfere with activities of daily living, therefore ideal for the younger, more ambulant patient. • Durable, usually lasts longer than traditional replacement gastrostomy tubes. • Decreased migration.

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• Self extubation is more difficult than with standard gastrostomy tubes. Disadvantages of LPGDs • Obturated device.

- Risk of tract disruption. - May be discomfort with placement or removal.

• Non-obturated device. - Possible early rupture of balloon. - NOTE: Both types of LPGDs are more expensive than traditional gastrostomy tubes. Indications • Patients with a tendency to pull out their gastrostomy tube, for example, confused patients. • Patients who require a more discreet and less obtrusive device for cosmetic reasons. • Where frequent gastrostomy tube changes are to be avoided. 23 Contraindications • Patients who have continually high intragastric pressure secondary to disease processes. Gastric contents may leak through the LPGD shaft. • Patients with an acutely angled gastrostomy tract as the LPGD cannot be placed properly. • Patients who require jejunal feeding. • Patients who require frequent decompression. • Patients with a gastrostomy tract of < 3 months old • Patients with poor dexterity and lack of family/clinical support.

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4.6.1. Insertion of LPGD 2

Situation

Action

Rationale

Obtain consent

Informed consent should be obtained from the patient/carer by a person able to carry out the procedure. Discuss indications, alternatives and risks ofinsertion of LPGD with patient and/or carer. Proceed with their agreement

To facilitate informed patient and/or carer choice

LPGD placement required: •Patient can cope with discomfort and/or doctor available

• Patient may not cope with discomfort of insertion and/or doctor not available

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for insertion Choose obturated device. Insertion should be by an appropriately trainedmember of staff or under supervision of doctor Choose non-obturated device. Doctor not required for insertion but personnel must be trained and competent Insertion technique varies between devices

Insertion technique varies between devices Obturated device is more durable but has an increased risk of tract disruption and therefore requires insertion by appropriately trained doctor Balloon device is less durable but there is less risk of tract disruption during the insertion procedure. Less discomfort with insertion

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Choice of LPGD length

Follow manufacturer’s instructions. The deviceshould not be: - too tight to the skin - too loose within the tract

To avoid discomfort and/or pressure necrosis A loose device will cause unnecessary leakage

Confirmation of LPGD position

Arrange contrast X-ray on LPGD to ensure correct placement into the stomach

There is a slightly increased risk of tract disruption with the LPGD insertion

Documentation Document make of LPGD, French gauge, batch number, length of shaft and date of insertion in medical notes

French gauge will determine which enteral formulae can be used Batch number facilitates traceability. Make, French gauge and shaft length will facilitate replacement

Problems with 4.7. Jejunostomy Feeding Tubes Description: A jejunostomy feeding tube is one which is inserted into the proximal jejunum primarily to administer nutrition over a prolonged period of time (>2-4 weeks). It creates a tract between the jejunum and abdominal surface. There are several methods of accessing the jejunum for feeding: • Open Jejunostomy Placed at laparotomy under general

anaesthetic. Techniques used being Witzel Tunnel, needle catheter or Roux-en-Y.

• Percutaneous Endoscopic Involves conversion of a gastrostomy

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Gastrostomy with jejunal extension into a jejunostomy by guiding an extension tube through the existing gastrostomy tube via the pyloric sphincter muscle and into the jejunum. Can be done endoscopically or by radiological guidance.

• Fluoroscopic Jejunostomy Involves radiological access to the (transgastric jejunostomy tube) jejunum which is achieved directly or

transgastrically. • Directly using a 21 gauge needle to puncture the jejunum which has been distended with air passed through a nasogastric tube. A guidewire then replaces the needle and is exchanged for larger guidewires to dilate the tract for the feeding tube. • Transgastrically by placing a jejunal catheter into a previous or newly created gastrostomy site and under fluoroscopy manipulating the tube into the jejunum with a guidewire.

NOTE: Double lumen tubes can be inserted by all three methods and facilitate decompression of the stomach and feeding access to the jejunum simultaneously. Indications • Gastric stasis. • Severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. • Proximal small bowel fistulae where tube is placed distal to the fistula. • Obstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract where tube is placed distal to the obstruction. • Surgery involving the upper gastrointestinal tract e.g. gastrectomy, oesophagectomy, or pancreatectomy. 26

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Contraindications Absolute • Distal gastrointestinal tract obstruction. • High output small bowel/large bowel fistula. • Imminent death. • Uncorrected coagulopathy. • Ascites. Relative • Previous small bowel surgery. • Crohn’s Disease - if segment of bowel to be used is diseased. • Severe diarrhoea. • Intestinal dysmotility. NOTE: All patients’ circumstances should be considered individually as above list is not definitive. 27 GUIDANCE ON ACHIEVING JEJUNAL ACCESS 4.7.1. Which method of jejunal access to use 28 Situation Tube

Rationale

Patient has had upper gastro-intestinal tract surgery e.g.gastrectomy or oesphagectomy

Choose open jejunostomy

Planned at time of surgery under general anaestheticSmall intestine motility returns more quickly than that of stomach and large bowel post-op

Patient has prolonged gastric aspirates / vomiting of > 500 mls daily which may be due to gastric stasis post op

Choose percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEJ)

Inserted under local anaesthetic therefore reduced risk to patient and reduced expense as no general anaesthetic / surgery required Can be reverted to PEG when problem resolves

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Patient continues to have large volumes of vomit or gastric aspirate despite jejunostomy feeding

Choose double lumen transgastric jejunostomy (inserted endoscopically or fluoroscopically)

One lumen in stomach to remove gastric residual volume One lumen in jejunum to facilitate feeding

Patient has cancer / benign obstruction of the upper GI tract with no immediate plan for surgery

Choose fluoroscopic jejunostomy

Unlikely to get endoscope past obstruction but may get NG tube passed to facilitate fluoroscopic insertion Less risk to patient than open jejunostomy Less expensive than surgery and general anaesthetic In addition if tumour is malignant, endoscopic procedure increases risk of transfer of tumour cells to stoma site

Patient with obstruction of upper GI tract with inability to pass an NG tube or endoscope into the stomach

Choose open jejunostomy

Unable to inflate stomach with air via NG tube for fluoroscopic access Unable to get endoscope past obstruction Only option

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4.7.2. Insertion of jejunostomy tubes Situation

Tube

Rationale

Consent

Informed consent for insertion should be obtained from the patient/carer by a person able to carry out the procedure

To facilitate informed patient choice

Insertion

Insert tube as per local protocols and manufacturer’s guidelines. Tubes should be inserted by trained and experienced personnel

To minimise potential complications eg. small bowel perforation

Fixation

Anchor tube securely toskin as per local policy which will depend on tube and method of insertion. NB Horizontal tube/drain attachment devices can be used if no wound or tube nearby

Reduce risk of displacement / dislodgement

Detecting tube displacement

Measure and record the length of tubing visible from skin surface to end

Gives baseline against which to assess possible tube displacement

Checking position

Check tip of tube visually, radiologically or endoscopically at time of insertion depending on method of insertion

To ensure safe delivery of feed into jejunum and no further risk of complication aspiration, pneumonia, anastomotic leak of feed post upper GI surgery etc. To reduce expense associated with unnecessary jejunogram

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4.7.3. Documentation: • As per nasoenteric tubes Section 4.4.4. References: British Society of Gastroenterology (1996). BSG Guidelines in Gastroenterology. Antibiotic prophylaxis in gastrointestinal endoscopy. London. Burnham, P. (2000). A Guide to Nasogastric Tube Insertion; Nursing Times Plus; Vol.96; No.8; pages 6 –7. DHSSPS (2003). Good Practice in Consent: Consent for Examination, Treatment or Care. Kalliafas, S. et al. (1996). Erythromycin Facilitates Post Pyloric Placement of Nasoduodenal Feeding Tubes in Intensive Care Patients: Randomised, Double-Blinded Placebo-controlled Trial. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; Vol.20; No.6; pages 385 –390. Metheny, N.A. et al. (1990). Effectiveness of the Auscultatory Method in Predicting Feeding Tube Location. Nursing Research Vol. 39 No. 5. Metheny, N.A. et al. (1995). pH Testing of Feeding Tube Aspirates to Determine Placement. Nutrition in Clinical Practice; 9; 185 – 190. Newman, M.J. et al. (1995). Hold that X-Ray, Aspirate pH and Auscultation Prove Enteral Tube Placement. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 20 (4) 293 – 5. Townsend, L. (1991). Gastroenterology Nursing, 14; 18-26; Practical considerations of the gastrostomy button. NICE Guidance (2005) Nutrition support in adults NICE Guid ance0

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SECTION 5 MANAGEMENT OF THE PATIENT, ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE AND ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM Introduction Once the enteral feeding tube has been inserted there are a number of processes and interventions which must occur. These include establishing the feeding regimen, routine care of the feeding tube, access site, feeding system and administration pump. The underlying objective must be to ensure safe administration of the enteral feed to the patient and management of both the effects and the potential side effects of enteral tube feeding. All health care professionals should give due consideration to individual patient needs and the care environment, both in hospital and in the community. 5.1. Management of Patient • Nutritional Status. Before feeding can be commenced or a feeding regimen established, the patient must have an assessment of nutritional status so that the feed prescribed meets the patient’s nutritional requirements. This will also provide the baseline information needed to assess the outcome of nutritional support. • Psychosocial Needs. The wishes and needs of the patient are paramount and so the patient should be fully informed at an appropriate level of understanding. The relatives/carers must be involved in the care of the patient and the administration of the feed from the outset, in order to accommodate a smooth transition from hospital to community. Consideration must also be given to discharge planning as early as possible with involvement of all key workers when necessary. 31 • Risk of Infection. Before feeding is commenced it is important to assess the patient’s risk of infection, as this will influence the nursing management of both the feed and the feeding tube. It is vital to assess both the patient and the

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care environment so that the administration of the feed can be managed accordingly (see Risk Assessment of Patients’ Susceptibility to Infection, Appendix 5). • Oral Health. Mouth care is an integral part of general care. When enteral tube feeding is started, a programme for oral hygiene should be established in line with local guidance. (See Oral Hygiene Assessment Tool, HEYH, Appendix 4) Patients and carers should be educated regarding oral hygiene practices. These can be supported by other members of the team e.g. dental hygienist or dental therapist. This is essential when the patient has natural teeth, to prevent plaque and calculus (tartar) building up, in the increasingly stagnant oral environment and causing gum disease. Treatment of advanced gum disease presents challenges for the dentist; particularly when working in a sub-optimal environment, e.g. a hospital ward, residential/nursing home, or in the patient’s own home. When sedation, or general anaesthesia is required to achieve gross calculus removal, the procedure may be of such high risk that it is contraindicated. Good oral hygiene procedures established at the start of enteral feeding, will prevent the need for high-risk treatment later. Even if the patient has no natural teeth remaining, an assessment of the patient’s oral health should be undertaken and advice given on appropriate mouth care. Such care may include daily cleaning of the soft tissues of the mouth and any dentures. Continued regular dental assessments, at intervals advised by the dentist, are essential to match oral hygiene practices to changing patient circumstances and to ensure optimal oral health

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5.1.1. Potential problems in managing the patient Potential Problem

Action to Be Taken

Rationale

Unavailable weight

Subjective Global Assessment or other objective methods of assessment e.g. mid-arm muscle circumference or dynamometry can be used Schofield et al. (1985)

It is essential to have baseline information to assess the outcome of nutritional support

Unavailable height If accurate height not available, recall height from patient/carer and record this as an estimated height Demi-span may be used as a method of calculating height in older patients Kwok, T., & Whitelow MN. (1991)

There is height loss with age therefore measuring or recalling height may not be accurate

The patient remains in hospital for an inappropriate period of time due to problems within the discharge process

All relatives/carers and key workers must be involved in the decision-making process that commences prior to the insertion of the feeding tube (see Section 3) It is essential that the key workers are involved in the co-ordination of the discharge planning process as early as possible

The aim of all personnel is to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to community

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All relevant personnel must also be involved in the management of the feeding tube and the administration system and allowed to become aware of their responsibilities towards the patient post-discharge (see Section 6.2.4.) It may be necessary for the social worker or care manager to co-ordinate the discharge and all the support systems that might be required by the patient in the community. The aim of all personnel is to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to community

It is essential for the safe administration of the feed to the patient that, not only the patient but all key workers fully understand their responsibilities to the patient post-discharge

33 5.2. Management of Hygiene Issues 5.2.1. Hand hygiene • Hand hygiene is the single most important procedure in the prevention and control of infection. • The hands of the health care worker, carer and/or patient should be thoroughly washed under warm running water using liquid soap, rinsed and dried thoroughly, preferably with paper towels, before:

• Preparing feeds. • Assembling systems. • Any subsequent manipulation of the system.

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5.2.2. Protective clothing In hospital/residential home/nursing home • Wash hands before donning gloves and after removal. • Don a new pair of disposable non-sterile, low protein, powder free latex gloves each time the enteral feeding system is handled. (Note: Take care when removing gloves from the box that only the gloves to be used are touched). • A clean disposable plastic apron should be worn. At Home Patients or Carers caring for relatives in their own home do not require protective clothing unless the patient has an infection or an increased risk of susceptibility to infection (see Appendix 5). Good hand hygiene is required. 5.2.3. Potential problems with susceptibility to infection 34 Potential Problem Action to Be Taken

Rationale

Persistent oral infections

Maintain high standard of oral hygiene (see Appendix 4) Seek specialist advice where appropriate from medical or nursing staff

Common oral infections e.g.candida should be eliminated to prevent any delay to the reintroduction of oral intake. Mucosal tissues should look hydrated so there is no delay to the rehabilitation of the patient

Recurrent infections

The patient should be carefully assessed for risk of susceptibility to infection The appropriate precautions should be taken in relation to management of the feeding tube and feeding system Seek advice from local Infection Control Team if problems persist

It is the responsibility of all carers involved in the management of the patient to ensure that the risk of infection is minimised

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5.3. Management of Feeding Tubes 5.3.1. Nasoenteric tubes • Check the length of tube from nose to end of tube at least daily to ensure tube has not been accidentally displaced. • Check the fixation tape/device and change at least daily to prevent displacement of the tube. • Confirm correct position of tube before feeding commences (see Section 4.4.3.) . • Replace long term fine bore tubes every 4-6 weeks swapping them to the alternate nostril. 35 5.3.2. PEG tubes • Check position of fixation device daily ensuring it is positioned 2-3mm away from the skin, and tighten to correct position if necessary. This position should be confirmed before feeding is commenced to ensure that tube has not been displaced. • Rotate tube 360º (according to manufacturer’s guidance) within stoma tract 24 hours after insertion, then daily. • Do not open or remove external fixation device for 10 – 14 days or until the tract has healed. If the tube is dislodged within the first 3 weeks before the tract has formed, it can result in peritonitis and the situation should be treated as an emergency. Refer patient directly to hospital. • The potential lifespan of PEG tubes is 18-24 months but this can vary with individual patients. The tube may degenerate causing the PEG site to become inflamed and irritated. While in situ the PEG tube should be carefully monitored for signs of degeneration. The tube may become cracked and the tube or site may be leaking. Elective replacement should be arranged before feeding access becomes an emergency. • The initial PEG tube must be replaced by the hospital. The PEG tube may be traction removable but some need to be endoscopically removed. If the stoma tract has matured, the PEG tube or gastrostomy tube may

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be replaced with a low profile gastrostomy device or button gastrostomy (see Section 4.6.). Initially this should be carried out by the hospital to ensure that the correct size is fitted. 5.3.3. Gastrostomy/transgastric jejunostomy tubes/low profile gastrostomy devices • It is important to check the volume of water in the retention balloon every 7–10 days as small amounts can evaporate off over a period of time. NOTE: The inflation valve will indicate the amount of water normally required to fill the balloon but less may have been used for example, to prevent retraction of the tube. It is therefore important to re-inflate the balloon with the appropriate volume of water as indicated on the hospital discharge documentation. • Check position of fixation device daily in relation to markings on the tube and tighten to correct position if necessary. 36 5.3.4. Jejunostomy • Check length of external tubing at least daily. • Ensure security of external fixation device or sutures. 5.3.5. Flushing feeding tubes Feeding tubes MUST be flushed with water before and after feeding and before and after administration of each medicine (see Section 5.7.2.). Additional flushes may be required to meet the patient’s daily fluid requirements and so the volume and frequency of flushing should be specified in the patient’s individual feeding regimen. Type of water to be used for flushing • In Hospital ‘Sterile water for irrigation’ to be used for all patients with enteral tube feeding whether in a recently inserted feeding tube or in a tube that has been well established for a period of time. Once a bottle of sterile water is opened, it is no longer sterile and must be discarded after use.

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• In Nursing Home/Residential Home/Day Care Centre Use cooled boiled water unless sterile water is indicated because the patient is immunocompromised or patient has a jejunostomy tube in situ. The use of cooled boiled water requires special attention to good practice using freshly drawn tap water from the drinking supply. After boiling, this water must be stored in a clean covered container in the fridge and any unused water must be discarded after 24 hours. • At Home The choice of water used will depend on a risk assessment of: a. The patient and: b. The care environment (see Risk Assessment, Appendix 5). If the patient is identified as being at an increased risk of infection, sterile water must be used. This includes all patients with a jejunostomy feeding tube. In all other situations freshly drawn tap water can be used. 37

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5.3.6. Potential problems with feeding tubes All Tubes Potential Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Tube blockage

Lack of flushing Build up of medications/feed within the lumen of the tube

Do not attempt to unblock the tube with guidewire as it may perforate the side of the tube Adherence to a meticulous flushing regimen, before and after the administration of each dose of each medication/feed Do not use smaller than a 50ml oral syringe to unblock the tube with pressure as this may cause the tube to burst. Flush the water gently into the tube Ensure correct method of administration of medication Try to unblock using: 50 mls lukewarm water If still blocked seek further advice Do not use pineapple juice, coca cola or other sugary, fizzy drinks, or powdered pancreatic enzymes

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38 PEG/Gastrostomy Tubes 39 Potential Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Tube leakage

The tube or Y adapter at the end of the PEG tube may be cracked

Replace the Y-adapter or fit another one beyond the crack in the tube It is essential that the patient/carer always has easy access to an appropriate adapter of the correct size The adapter should be carefully fitted, as a good seal is essential to maintain the inflation of the internal retention bumper (follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully)

PEG/button/ gastrostomy tube displacement

The tube may become accidentally displaced

If the tube is dislodged within the first 3 weeks before the tract has formed, it can result in peritonitis and the situation should be treated as an emergency-apply a dry dressing and seek further medical advice by referring to hospital.

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After the tract has formed, if the tube comes out inadvertently, the stoma will start to close within an hour or two and it is essential to maintain the integrity of the stoma tract It is essential that the patient/carer always has timely access to a replacement device Do not permanently replace the PEG tube with anything other than the appropriate replacement device A replacement tube should be fitted as soon as possible by a suitably trained healthcare professional/carer.

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Transgastric jejunostomy or jejunostomy tubes Potential Problem

Possible Cause

Action

The displacement of transgastric jejunostomy or jejunostomy tube Note: This refers to PEG tubes with a jejunal extension ( which is placed under endoscopic conditions, ie a PEJ)

The tube may become accidentally displaced

The displacement of transgastric/ jejunostomy tubes or jejunostomy feeding tubes is a problem that cannot be satisfactorily resolved in the community If the PEG comes out inadvertently, the stoma will start to close within an hour or two and it is essential to maintain the integrity of the stoma tract. See page 42 If the jejunal extension is displaced, partially or entirely, do not use the existing PEG tube but refer directly to hospital. Do not attempt to repass the jejunal extension as it requires an endoscopic procedure.

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5.4. Management of Gastrostomy and Jejunostomy Tube Sites (Stomas) 5.4.1. PEG/PEJ tube sites Up to 48 hours post-insertion. • At this stage it is essential to use an aseptic technique when cleaning the site. • Observe site for signs of swelling, bleeding or infection. • Cleanse site and fixation device with sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution and gently dry. • Apply a dry dressing only if required to absorb exudate. • Do not release the fixation device. • Adhere to manufacturer’s guidance in relation to tube rotation. Some devices e.g. transgastric jejunostomy devices should not be rotated. 40 After 48 hours post insertion • A ‘clean’ technique using sterile equipment e.g. dressing pack with nonwoven gauze should be used until the tract has healed. This may take up to 3 weeks post-insertion. • Keep site and fixation device meticulously clean and dry. • Do not release the fixation device. • Adhere to manufacturer’s guidance in relation to tube rotation. • Patients with an abdominal stoma for gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding should maintain/be assisted in maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene. NOTE: Patients may shower but should not have an immersion (tub) bath until tract has healed – approximately 3 weeks post–op. When tract has healed • This is approximately 3 weeks post insertion. • The fixation device (PEG/PEJ) should be separated from the base to allow further cleaning on a daily basis. A mild soap and disposable cloth/clean towel etc may be used for cleansing. The tube and fixation device must be meticulously dried after cleaning. • Always ensure the tube is replaced to the correct position in relation to the fixation device when cleaning is completed.

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5.4.2. Gastrostomy tubes/button gastrostomy/transgastric-jejunostomy tube sites The care and management of the access sites of these tubes is as for the care of all PEG tubes. The main points to remember are: • Observe the site daily for any signs of infection ie inflammation, pain, swelling, exudate or pus. • The site should be cleaned at least daily by the appropriate method depending on the length of time post-insertion (as in Section 5.4.1.). • Avoid the use of a dressing around the site if at all possible. • Always ensure that the tube is replaced to the correct position in relation to the fixation device when cleaning is completed. For other types of gastrostomies eg surgical or radiological placed gastrostomy, seek local advice form surgical consultant or consultant radiologist. 41 5.4.3. Potential problems with gastrostomy sites 42 Potential Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Infection or exudation around stoma site/tract

Fixation device too loose predisposing to leakage of feed/gastric juices Reduced standard of hygiene at stoma site

Observe the site daily for pain, erythema, pus or skin breakdown At the first signs of clinical infection send a swab to microbiology for culture and sensitivity Administer the appropriate systemic antibiotics if required NOTE: Avoid the use of topical antibiotics Commence cleaning the site at least twice daily with soap and water or saline and apply povidoneiodine to the site. This can be

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Tube may have started to degenerate

used for up to 7 days NOTE: Do not use creams or ointments as these may loosen the fixation device Avoid a dressing if at all possible but if leakage is excessive, a small dry dressing may be applied and changed at least twice daily or as necessary Where clinical infection is present seek advice from a tissue viability nurse Monitor the integrity of the tube and check that it is not cracked or leaking Contact the endoscopist/surgeon for elective replacement of the PEG tube

Overgrowth of granulation tissue

Fixation device may be too tight

Check that the fixation device is able to move in and out about 2-3mm Ensure tube rotation as per manufacturer’s guidance Persistent over-granulation may require treatment under the supervision of the Tissue Viability Nurse. It may also require debridement by a surgeon and so advice on treatment should be sought

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Leakage around site of all tubes

Fixation device too loose, allowing leakage of gastric juices/feed onto the skin Lumen of stoma tract may be bigger than the replacement gastrostomy tube Delayed gastric emptying Intestinal obstruction

Tighten fixation device so that tube is only able to move 2-3mm Avoid the use of barrier creams as they may cause the fixation device to loosen Keep the site clean and dry Ensure that the correct size of gastrostomy feeding tube is in position and if necessary replace it with a larger one (see below) Observe the patient for signs of abdominal discomfort or distension Refer to the doctor for monitoring of same and consideration of gut motility drugs If problem persists it may be necessary to consider feeding beyond the stomach, into the jejunum therefore refer the patient back to the endoscopist or gastroenterologist Observe the patient for signs of abdominal discomfort or distension and if necessary seek medical advice

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Leakage around button gastronomy

Button gastrostomy may leak because: It requires decompression with a decompression tube The valve is no longer working and so decompression is no longer effective The patient has lost weight and the tube is now loose

See manufacturer’s instructions on how to decompress with the appropriate tube The tube needs to be removed and replaced by appropriately trained personnel (see Section 4.6.1.) Another tube of the correct size needs to be fitted by appropriately trained personnel (see Section 4.6.1.) It may be possible to use an appropriate barrier cream to protect the skin with a Button device in situ as they are of a fixed length and cannot move within the stoma causing further leakage

5.4.4. Jejunostomy tube sites The management of the site of all jejunostomy tubes can vary according to the type of device used and the method of insertion. There may or may not be sutures in situ and these may be either temporary or permanent. It is therefore essential to follow the advice of the surgeon (see section 4.7.2.). Other general advice is as follows: • Observe the site daily for any signs of infection i.e. inflammation, pain, swelling, exudate or pus. If clinical infection is suspected, a wound swab should be taken and if necessary the patient treated with the appropriate systemic antibiotic. • The site should be cleaned at least daily using an aseptic technique.

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Any other problems that arise should be referred to the hospital for specialist advice. 5.5 Management of the Feed • Commence feeding once the correct position of the tube is confirmed. With gastrostomy and jejunostomy feeding tubes always follow instructions of the technician who inserted the tube. Feeding via a gastrostomy tube can usually commence after 4 hrs of insertion, unless specified in the medical notes to do otherwise. • Only feeds recommended by the dietitian should be administered through the feeding tube. • Where possible select sterile “ready to use feeds” to which a giving set can be directly attached. • The patient’s feed should be administered according to their feeding regimen. • Delivery of enteral feed may be via continuous infusion, intermittent infusion or bolus feeding. See Stroud et al, 2003 for further information on these modes of delivery. • All feeds should be administered at room temperature. • Feeds should be stored according to manufacturer’s instructions. • Once feeding has commenced the patient should be positioned with head and shoulders raised to an angle of at least 30º during feeding and for at least one hour after feeding stops • The patient should be monitored closely for both the outcome of the nutrition support being prescribed (see Section 5.1.1.) and for any potential side effects e.g. nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, aspiration (see Section 5.5.2.). NOTE: Feeding tubes should be used for the administration of proprietary feed, drugs and water ONLY. 44 5.5.1. Feed hanging times Hanging times are influenced by the risk of microbial contamination in different circumstances. General guidelines for the length of hanging times for feeds are: • Sterile feeds in pre-filled containers, up to 24 hours. Once a sterile feed has been opened it must be used within 24 hours or discarded. • Sterile feeds that have been decanted into a sterile reservoir should hang for no more than 24 hours. Always check first that a ready-to hang alternative is not available but if decanting the feed cannot be avoided, an aseptic technique must be used to minimise the risk

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of microbial contamination of the feed. 5.5.2. Potential problems with administration of the feed 45 Potential Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Nausea and Vomiting

Feeding position of the patient Intestinal obstruction Hyperosmolar feed – rapid infusion rate Delayed gastric emptying

Ensure head and shoulders are raised to an angle of approximately 30º during feeding and for at least one hour after feeding stops. Consider daytime feeding Observe the patient for signs of abdominal distention Refer patient to doctor urgently for assessment Ask dietitian to review feed and feeding regimen Observe the patient for signs of abdominal discomfort or distention Refer to the doctor for monitoring of same andconsideration of gut motility drugs If problem persists it may be necessary to consider feeding beyond the stomach into the jejunum, therefore refer the

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Side effect of medication

patient back to the endoscopist or gastroenterologist Review medication with doctor and/or pharmacist and consider alternative treatment

Aspiration

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) with oral intake Position of the feeding tube Position of the patient Delayed gastric emptying

Stop all oral intake Refer patient to Speech and Language Therapist for advice regarding oral intake Check that the tip of the feeding tube is in the correct place (see Section 4.4.3.) Ensure head and shoulders are raised to an angle of approximately 30º during feeding and for at least one hour after feeding stops. Consider daytime feeding Observe the patient for signs of abdominal discomfort or distention Discuss with dietitian and consider reduction of volume of feed/fluid administration eg. changing the type of feed Refer to the doctor for monitoring of same and

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consideration of gut motility drugs If problem persists it may be necessary to consider feeding beyond the stomach into the jejunum, therefore refer the patient back to the endoscopist or gastroenterologist

Diarrhoea

Pre-existing bowel disorder Side effect of medication Infection Feed

Review past medical history and consider previous bowel pattern Discuss with doctor or pharmacist and consider alternative medication and/or the use of antidiarrhoeals Send specimen of faeces to bacteriology for culture and sensitivity Ensure the appropriate infection control measures are in place and review handling of the feed, feeding system and accessory feeding equipment Discuss type of feed and rate of administration with dietitian

Constipation

Low residue feed

Discuss change to fibre enhanced feed with dietitian

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Inadequate fluid intake Side effect of medication

Check patient is receiving all feed and fluid prescribed Ensure accurate record kept on fluid balance chart if appropriate Consider patient biochemistry and consider increasing patient fluid requirements, especially if patient has pyrexia or during hot weather Discuss with doctor or pharmacist and consider the use of laxatives

Gastric stasis Delayed gastric emptying in critical illness

Refer to local guidelines for the use of motility agents

5.6. Management of Feeding Equipment Health and social care professionals are personally accountable for their use of medical devices and therefore must ensure that they have appropriate training. They are also personally accountable for ensuring service users and carers have received appropriate training and know how to use the devices that have been provided. Medical Devices Agency (MDA DB 2000 (04)) state that:- • Devices designated for ‘single use’ must not be re-used under any circumstances. • The re-use of ‘single use’ devices can affect their safety, performance and effectiveness, exposing patients and staff to unnecessary risk. • The re-use of ‘single use’ devices has legal implications

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a) Anyone who reprocesses or re-uses a device intended by the manufacturer for use on a single occasion, bears full responsibility for its safety and effectiveness. b) Anyone who reprocesses a ‘single use device’ and passes it to a separate legal entity for use has the same legal obligations under the Medical Devices Regulations as the original manufacturer of the device. Locally, there is an agreement that patients in their own homes can re-use syringes that are labelled single use only for 7 days for bolus feeding and flushing the feeding tube (Appendix 6) 5.6.1. Administration pumps • It is important that patients are provided with the most appropriate feeding pump. • Pumps should be kept clean by wiping daily with a cloth moistened in a mild detergent and water solution. • Any spills of feed onto the pump should be mopped up immediately. • Before discharge from hospital the patient/carer should be:

- Trained in the safe and effective use of the pump. - Provided with written instructions.

- Given contact details for support should there be a problem with the pump (see Section 6).

- 5.6.2. Giving sets • Giving sets labelled for ‘single use’ should be discarded after each feeding episode and should not be used for more than 24 hours. • Right-angled giving sets and extension sets should be managed according to the manufacturers’ guidance. Consideration should also be given to the labelling of the product and the individual patient’s risk of infection, the care environment and adherence to good hygienic practice (see Risk Assessment, Appendix 3). • When connecting the female luer lock end of the giving set to the enteral feeding device, turn only to secure connection as over tightening may result in the giving set adhering inappropriately to the feeding device. • Frequently disconnecting the giving set from the feeding tube will increase the risk of infection. When disconnection is necessary: 48 - Decontaminate hands carefully and in hospital/residential home or nursing home wear gloves and disposable apron. - Use a non-touch technique taking care to avoid touching all connections.

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- Protect exposed end of giving set with clean/sterile cap while disconnected. - Do not remove feed from stand – it is important to keep the giving set lower than the feed container to avoid reflux from giving set. 5.6.3. Syringes General • Oral, enteral or 50ml catheter tipped syringes should be used• It is important to note that different sizes of syringes are necessary for the flushing of tubes compared to those required for giving medicines: - 50ml syringes should be used for flushing enteral tubes. - When administering medications, use the size of syringe appropriate to the volume of medicine to be given e.g. use a 3ml syringe to administer a 2.5ml dose. Smaller syringes produce greater pressure and may split the tube, therefore administer slowly. IV syringes must not be used. In Hospital A new oral/enteral or catheter tip syringe should be used every 24 hours (Appendix 6) unless the patient is immunocompromised, under 1 year old or fed via a jejunostomy tube. In such cases single use procedures should be followed. Stringent cleaning and storage methods must be used. . At Home/Nursing Home/Residential Home/Day Care Centre An oral/enteral syringe for ‘single patient use’ may be re-used for up to one week before being replaced. Syringes should be washed in hot soapy water and left to air dry and places in a clean plastic bag.. Where a patient is identified as being immuno-compromised or is fed via a jejunostomy tube, a new sterile oral/enteral syringe must be used each time the tube is flushed (see Appendix 6). 5.6.4. Reservoirs • DO NOT TOP UP RESERVOIRS WITH FEED (see Section 5.5.1.). • Reservoirs marked for ‘single patient use’ should be labelled with time and date when first used and if used for a full 24 hours feed, discarded after 24 hours.

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5.6.5. Decanting equipment • Bottle openers/can openers/scissors should be kept specifically for feeding. They should be washed as described below and dried before use. • Utensils e.g. jugs should be washed in hot soapy water, rinsed and left to air dry. Utensils should be stored covered with paper towels or freshly laundered cloth until required. 5.7. Management of Medicines Currently no medicines are licensed for administration via enteral feeding tubes however, drug administration by this route is frequently necessary. Not all medicines can be given via feeding tubes and alternative routes of administration of drugs may need to be used. Giving a crushed tablet in water may block the feeding tube. Nasogastric and nasojejunal tubes are long fine bore tubes that block easily. Gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes are shorter and have a wide bore so are less likely to become blocked. Oral syringes Medicines to be given through feeding tubes must be measured using oral syringes and not using hypodermic syringes. Oral syringes have a different tip, which cannot connect to an IV cannula or attach to a needle. Reports in the literature describe oral medications being accidentally injected because they were drawn up using a hypodermic syringe. 50 Liquid medicines Liquid medicines are not always the best way to give drugs via feeding tubes:- • They may contain large amounts of sorbitol e.g. Ranitidine Syrup, causing abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. • They are mostly designed for use in children so are of low strength and hence require large volumes to be given e.g. Paracetamol Suspension. • Many are thick and viscous liquids and therefore cause difficulties administering down narrow tubes e.g. Paracetamol Suspension. • Not all medicines can be prepared as liquids as they may be unstable or highly irritant when in solution e.g. Alendronic Acid. • Not all suspensions can be diluted to reduce their viscosity e.g. Lansoprazole Sachets. 51

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5.7.1. Medicines NOT to be given through feeding tubes Medicines NOT to be given through feeding tubes

Rationale

Sublingual/buccal tablets

Formulated for absorption across the oral mucosa and are ineffective if administered through feeding tubes

“Melt” tablets

Designed to dissolve in the saliva, be swallowed and then absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract

Chewable tablets Form a sticky mass when crushed Enteric-coated products (denoted as e/c in the BNF

These have a protective coating either to prevent inactivation by stomach acid or to prevent the stomach from damage by the drug. Crushing enteric-coated tablets or the entericcoated pellets from a capsule destroys this coating

Controlled, extended and sustained release products (denoted as m/r in the BNF)

Are formulated to release the drug slowly in the GI tract. Crushing or breaking tablets or opening capsules can destroy their slow release properties increasing the risk of side effects, toxicity and reducing their duration of action

Injections

Must not be given through feeding tubes unless specifically advised by a pharmacist

Cytotoxic preparations

Must not be given through feeding tubes unless specifically advised by a pharmacist

For further information seek advice from a hospital or PCT pharmacist 5.7.2. Flushing • Adequate flushing of feeding tubes is essential to ensure that the full dose of a drug is delivered to the patient and that the patency of the tube is maintained (see Section 5.3.5.). • Water should be used. The type of water depends on a Risk Assessment

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of both the patient and the care environment (see Risk Assessment Appendix 5). • For adults, 50mls of water should be used for flushing before and after drug administration. • When several drugs are to be given, each should be given separately, not mixed and the tube flushed with 5 – 10mls of water between each drug. 52 5.7.3. Potential problems with medicine administration 53 Potential Problems

Prevention

Not all medicines are available commercially as liquids

Use soluble tablets. A pharmacist may be able to prepare certain liquid preparations on request. The pharmacist must be made aware that the liquid is for administration via an enteral tube and the route of administration must be specified

Liquid medicines are not always the best option. They may cause cramping and diarrhoea particularly in post-pyloric feeding. Diarrhoea may be due to the liquid being hyperosmolar or due to the sorbitol content. Some drugs favour the acidic conditions of the stomach for absorption (e.g. Ketoconazole) and may be incompletely absorbed when administered directly into the jejunum through an NJ or jejunostomy tube

Use the information sources outlined in Section 5.7.4. to ensure that you are using the most appropriate formulation of the medicine and for advice on alternatives if necessary

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The medicine may react with the feeding tube

Use the information sources outlined in section 5.7.4. to check compatibility and recommend an alternative if necessary

The medicine may interact with the enteral feed

Use the information sources outlined in Section 5.7.4. Do not administer medicines at the same time as feeds. See Appendix 7

Many of the medicines used to treat cancer produce a hazardous dust when crushed or if the capsules are opened These should not be crushed nor the capsules opened

These should not be crushed nor the capsules opened Contact the relevant hospital pharmacy department who may be able to advise on alternative routes of administration and formulations

Giving a crushed tablet in water may block the feeding tube. Nasogastric and nasojejunal tubes are long, fine bore tubes which block easily. Gastronomy and jejunostomy tubes are shorter and have a wide bore so are less likely to become blocked.

. 5.7.4. Information sources • Pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate medicine and formulation. • Local hospital pharmacy departments and PCT pharmacy advisors are useful sources of information. 5.8. Documentation Baseline information should be recorded clearly in the patient’s clinical records and in the discharge communication (see Discharge Summary, Section 6.7.). The information that is essential to the ongoing management of the patient is:

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• Patient’s clinical condition. • Nutrition: - Nutritional status e.g. weight/BMI - Nutritional requirements. - Nutritional intake - oral and tube feed. - Feeding plan including information on tolerance. • Details concerning biochemical abnormalities. • Medications prescribed and method of administration. • Tube details - date of insertion, make of tube, batch number, French gauge, length of external tubing visible, volume of water in retention balloon, if appropriate. • Condition of stoma and site and method of fixation if necessary. • Pump type and serial number. • Swallowing status (in dysphagic patients):- - Speech and Language Therapy assessment date and recommendations. - Quantity, frequency and consistency of fluid and food allowed. -details of oral hygiene programme. 54 References: Anderton, A. Microbial Contamination of Enteral Tube Feeds, How Can we Reduce the Risk? (Published by Nutricia Clinical Care). British Society for Disability and Oral Health (Jan 2000). Guidelines for the Development of Local Standards of Oral Health Care for Dependent, Dysphagic, Critically and Terminally Ill Patients. Health Estates, Eastate Policy Devices in Practice - A Guide for Health and Social Care Professionals. MDA DB 2000 (04) (August 2000). Single-Use Medical Devices: Implications and Consequences of Reuse. Kwok, T. and Whitelow, MN. (1991). The Use of Armspan in Nutritional Assessment of the Elderly. JAGS, 39: 492-496 Schofield, W.N. (1985) Predicting basal metabolic rate, new standards and review of previous work. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr.39 suppl 1, 5-41. Stroud, M., Duncan, H., Nightingale, H., (2003). Guidelines for Enteral Feeding in Hospital Patients. Gut 52; suppl vii vii1-vii12. 55

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SECTION 6 DISCHARGING A PATIENT ON HOME ENTERAL TUBE FEEDING 6.1. Planning For Discharge Planning for discharge should start as soon as possible, in order to facilitate the organisation and good quality of care for patients requiring enteral feeding in the community. It is important that patients are established on a feeding regimen, which meets their requirements prior to discharge. However in some cases this cannot be completed and interventions initiated in the hospital environment are completed in the patient’s home. Alternatively, they might need to be undertaken predominantly in the home environment. A patient’s admission can range from an extended period of time to a day procedure, depending on the complexity and stability of their medical condition. 6.1.1. Aim To ensure that the patient is discharged from hospital into the community safely and with adequate support. 6.1.2. Objectives • To provide an adequate level of patient/carer training prior to discharge. • To ensure effective liaison with the community health and social care team. • To identify a realistic and timely discharge plan which will meet the changing needs of the patient in the home environment. • To ensure the patient receives adequate support and monitoring in the community. • To ensure all patients on home enteral feeding are registered on the British Artificial Nutritional Survey (BANS) with their consent. 6.2. Education 6.2.1. Patient and/or carer training Patients and/or carers must be trained so they are able to carry out enteral tube feeding with confidence, in the simplest, safest and most effective way.

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They should be able to recognise potential problems and know the route to solving them. 56 Training should start as early as possible in hospital, however, the decision of when to start should be made with sensitivity. 6.2.2. Environment The training should be performed in a relaxed, quiet environment in which the patient and/or carer feels safe and allows privacy for discussion. 6.2.3. Trainer The trainer should be fully competent in all aspects of enteral tube feeding: - Reasons for enteral tube feeding. - Routes used in enteral tube feeding. - The different types of tubes and their care. - The enteral tube feeding system. - Trouble-shooting. The trainer should also know when and where to access other health professionals. All professionals training the patients and/or carers must receive appropriate training and be able to demonstrate their competence annually. The patient and/or carer will be told the name of the trainer, their job and be given a contact number for them. 6.2.4. Home Enteral Tube Feeding Learning Goals (A) Before discharge the patient and/or carer will know:- • The reason for enteral nutrition e.g. risk of aspiration due to swallowing difficulty. • Whether some oral intake is permitted and if so quantity, frequency and consistency of fluids and foods and facilitatory/compensatory swallowing techniques. • Why and how the mouth and teeth should be cleaned. • How to manage the feeding system. • How to minimise the risk of infection (see Section 5). • How to prevent and recognise complications including infections, aspiration and mechanical complications such as occlusion, misplacement and malfunction of the tube. 57

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• How to clear a blocked tube. • How to change malfunctioning parts of the tube. • How to check the fluid content of the balloon in appropriate devices. • How to take care of the stoma if applicable. • How to obtain enteral feed. • Storage and hanging times of enteral feeds. • How much feed to give and how often. • How to feed by gravity in event of pump malfunction. • How to obtain ancillary items. • How often to replace ancillary items. • Names of personnel to contact 24 hours a day. • Who is responsible for their continued hospital care and where and when they will be reviewed. (B) Before discharge the patient and/or carer will be able to: • Check the position of the tube. • Secure the tube adequately. • Remove and replace the sterile water in the balloon of their feeding access device. • Prepare the feed for administration. • Connect the feed to the feeding tube. • Programme the feeding pump. • Administer a bolus down the tube. • Administer medications down the tube. • Disconnect the feed and flush water down the tube. The competencies of the patient/carer should be documented 6.2.5.Literature Written information on all of the above (A & B) must be given to the patient and/or carer before discharge. 6.3. Provision of Feed and Ancilliary Items Patients should be discharged from hospital with supplies of feed and ancillary items in accordance with locally agreed procedures. 58 6.3.1.Equipment The patient should be discharged with the following equipment for 10 days: - Feeding pump and dripstand if required - Feed.

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- Giving sets. - Syringes. - pH sensitive paper, if required. Local arrangements should be in place for the provision of Y adapter repair and replacement kits. Equipment and feed for home is organised through the Nutrition and Dietetics Service Therapy Services Partnership. The dietitian responsible for in-patient care should complete a discharge summary form and fax it to the enteral feed administrator to set up orders for home delivery before discharge. 6.4. Communication Before the patient is discharged, it is essential that all key community health care professionals are contacted by telephone and in writing. This communication should begin as early as possible. 6.4.1.Documentation When it is planned to discharge a patient, a designated key worker will ensure that all baseline information is documented in the Discharge Summary (see Section 6.7.) and this information will be communicated to relevant healthcare professionals. In order to manage patients safely in the community it is essential that the type of tube in place is clearly specified to all health professionals involved. The information can be communicated by:- - Post. - Fax (with precautions taken to protect confidentiality e.g. telephone recipient first who must be waiting to receive the fax). - Telephone. Most importantly it should reach the intended recipients as early as possible BEFORE discharge. 59 6.5. Home Enteral Tube Feeding Register The Home Enteral Tube Feeding Register was established in 1990 by the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Group (PENG) of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) to collect data on the profile of enteral feeding in the community. In 1996 this information was incorporated into The British Artificial Nutritional Survey (BANS) to monitor the growth of artificial nutritional support in both hospitals and the community. Consent should be obtained from the patient to register them with BANS before discharge.

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6.6. Patient/Carer Support In addition to the information in Section 6.2.4. the patient/carer should be informed of the national patient support group, PINNT. PINNT (patients on intravenous and nasogastirc nutrition therapy) PINNT Membership Secretary, 58 Knockhall Rd, Greenhithe Kent DA9 9HF www.pinnt.com 6.7. Discharge summary A locally agreed form is in use (Appendix 7) Reference 62 Elia, M., Cottee, S., Holden, C., et al. Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition in the Community. Report by BAPEN working party. London: BAPEN, (1994). 6 4

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SECTION 7 FOLLOW-UP AND REVIEW Although a patient or carer may be competent to manage their home enteral tube feeding independently, they still require input from key healthcare professionals. It has been reported that patients and carers find the first few weeks postdischarge the most difficult and report the greatest number of problems (Mensforth, 1999). It is important to ensure continuity of care for patients and the appropriate health care professionals are involved post-discharge and in ongoing monitoring of the patient. Primary care health professionals will support and participate in the continued education of patients and carers, in the management of the feeding system and other aspects of enteral feeding. The dietitian has the key worker role in relation to enteral tube feeding in the community and is responsible for organising training and equipment, and ongoing review of enteral feeding in individual patients. Some patients may attend day centres, special schools or carers may avail of respite facilities - additional training may be required for staff in these environments. Professional standards should be developed and put in place to: - Ensure that patients achieve and maintain optimum nutritional status. - Minimise complications associated with HETF. 7.1. Frequency of Review Initial • The dietitian should review the patient within 3 working days by telephone and arrange a visit within 5 working days of discharge (Mensforth, 1999). • Where review by a community speech and language therapist is required, the review should be within 4 weeks of discharge (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists 1997/98). • The district or community nurse should visit the patient in his or her own home as required. Dietetic follow-up In general the frequency of follow-up will be determined by: • Patient’s underlying clinical condition. • Nutritional status. • Complications of enteral tube feeding. • Knowledge and ability to manage the feeding system 65

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Planned reviews should be made within 5 working days of discharge for people in their own homes and within 2-4 weeks in a nursing home setting. Further reviews as clinically indicated should be arranged. Patients who are stable should be reviewed every 6 months. All patients and their carers should have a contact number should any problems arise in the interim period and necessitate a prompt review (Madigan et al, 2002). Speech and Language Therapy follow-up Swallow review by Speech and Language Therapists should occur periodically as swallow improvement may be slow, ranging from months to years. District/Community Nurse/Care Home nurse follow- Frequency of district or community nurse follow-up is dependent on individual patient needs and should be assessed at the initial review. During this assessment, consideration should be given to: - The support required by the patient/carer to manage the feeding tube and feeding system. - The condition of the feeding tube and site. - The length of time the tube is in situ. - The need to obtain blood samples for biochemical monitoring. - 7.2. Parameters To Be Reviewed The following aspects of patient care need to be reviewed on a regular basis. Decisions regarding the nutritional management of the patient should be based on this information. 66 7.2.1. Patient • Clinical condition e.g. change in ability to swallow, disease state, presence of pressure sores/ulcers, infection etc. • Oral health, ensuring patient or carer’s oral hygiene practice matches changing patient circumstances. • Quality of life maintained/improved by nutrition support. • Ability to comply with and tolerate the nutrition therapy. • Patient and/or carer able to cope with changes in lifestyle. • Patient and/or carer demonstrate ability to perform procedures to acceptable standards. • The environment is appropriate for the safe and effective use of nutrition support.

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7.2.2.Nutrition Nutritional status. • Weight history. • BMI. Daily nutritional requirements. • Energy. • Protein. • Fluid. Nutritional Intake. • Oral diet (if appropriate). - Quantity. - Nutritional value. - Does intake/consistency match that recommended? • Tube feed. - Type of feed. - Rate of feed. - Volume delivered versus prescribed volume. - Signs of intolerance to feed. 67 • Fluid Balance. - Intake.

- By mouth. - By tube.

- Feed. - Flushes. - Medication.

- Output. - Urinary. - Losses via GI tract.

- 7.2.3.Biochemistry Full blood picture and a biochemical profile (to include sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, glucose, albumin and liver function tests) should be measured in all patients on an annual basis.

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The above biochemical and haematological tests, in addition to serum calcium, phosphate and magnesium, should be repeated more frequently if there is a change in the patient’s clinical condition. This might include significant weight loss, recurrent infections or the development of other new clinical symptoms. Micronutrient deficiency is unlikely to arise in patients on long term enteral nutrition, as patients will be receiving full replacement doses of micronutrients in almost all cases. Therefore, monitoring of vitamin or trace element status is not indicated, unless specific symptoms develop suggestingdeficiency or toxicity. If this is suspected, consult with the biochemistry department of the local hospital with regard to appropriate tests and sample requirements. 7.2.4.Medications • Changes to prescribed medication. • Administration:- - Dose. - Timing in relation to feeding. - Method of administration. - • Side effects of medication in relation to tolerance of feed. 68 7.2.5.Feeding Tube • Condition. • Length of time in situ. • Length visible. • Tube rotation. • Routine checks on tube position before use. • Evidence of tube blockage. • Check fluid content of balloon in appropriate devices. • Record tube details as listed in Section 5.8. if tube is replaced. 7.2.6.Stoma • Condition of stoma. • Presence and type of exudate. • Overgranulation of stoma. • Presence of unnecessary dressing. • Fit and condition of fixation device.

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7.2.7.Pumps • Accuracy. • Battery life. • Annual servicing. • Cleanliness. • Appropriateness for patient. Based on information gathered at review, each discipline should devise an action plan which incorporates any necessary changes to current patient management. This should be documented and communicated to the relevant healthcare professionals. 69 7.3. Transitional Feeding If the patient is changing over to oral diet, they should be achieving adequate nutritional intake by this method before home enteral tube feeding is stopped. Dietetic involvement is essential to ensure this. If swallowing difficulties are present, a Speech and Language Therapist will be required to assist in the transition from enteral tube feeding to oral intake. 7.4. Discontinuing Home Enteral Tube Feeding Enteral tube feeding should only be discontinued if: - • Full nutritional requirements are being met via the oral route. • The risks of continuing enteral tube feeding are judged to exceed the potential benefits. • Further aggressive nutritional support is declined by the patient or legal guardian in accordance with trust policy and existing law (see Section 3.). Regular monitoring and review is essential in identifying the above situations. 7.5. Removal of Feeding Tubes If sustained achievement of nutritional requirements without enteral tube feeding is in doubt, it may be useful to keep the feeding tube in place for an agreed period of time or until the doubt is removed. The decision to remove the feeding tube should be multidisciplinary. Special instructions exist for removal of gastrostomy tubes. Whilst

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manufacturers’ guidelines must always be adhered to, the following general principles apply: • Do not remove for at least 14 days after insertion. • With balloon devices, deflate balloon then use gentle traction to remove. • Vigorous pulling may be necessary for gastrostomies held in place by a deforming device. • Tubes with rigid fixation devices are usually removed endoscopically. However, recent evidence suggests if they are cut off close to the skin and pushed through the stomach, they will pass through the gut spontaneously. This method should not be used if there is any suspicion of distal strictures. NOTE: Overall, 2% will not pass, Stroud et al, 2003. 70 References: Australian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (1997). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Home Enteral Nutrition. Madigan, S.M., O’Neill, S., Clarke, J., L’Estrange, F. and McCauley, D.C. (2002). Assessing the dietetic needs of different patient groups receiving enteral tube feeding in primary care. J. Hum. Nutr. Dietet. 15, 179 – 183. Mensforth, A. (1999). Home enteral nutrition – the Leicestershire experience. Br.J. Homecare 1, 114-118. Stroud, M., Duncan, H., Nightingale, H., (2003). Guidelines for Enteral Feeding in Hospital Patients. Gut 52; suppl vii vii1-vii12. Torrance, October 1996 Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. 71

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MEMBERSHIP OF THE HOME ENTERAL TUBE FEEDING REVIEW GROUP Chair: Anita Liley, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Therapy Services Partnership Working group: Joanne Hemsworth, Clinical Lead Dietitian: Enteral Tube Feeding, Therapy Services Partnership Sheila Webster, Senior Dietitian Stroke Service, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Ann Blencoe, Practice Development Nurse East Yorkshire and Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCTs Sally Wood, Sister Endoscopy Unit, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Liz Owen, Infection Control Nurse, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Vicky Walmsley, Critical Care and Theatres Pharmacist, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Margaret Fletcher, Senior Nurse Facilitator, Chronic Disease Management, West Hull PCT 76

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Appendix 1 PROCEDURE FOR FINE BORE NASOGASTRIC FEEDING TUBE INSERTION • Explain the procedure to the patient. • Help conscious patients adopt a comfortable semi-recumbent position. • Explain the importance of not tilting the head backwards. • Arrange a method of signalling to enable the patient to request procedure to proceed slowly or stop. • Wash hands and put on gloves to reduce the risk of cross-infection. • Determine the length of tube required to be inserted if the tip of the tube is to lie in the stomach by:-

- Placing the tip of the tube against the xiphoid sternum. - Passing the tube behind the ear, over the top of the ear and to the tip of the nostril and marking this position on tube.

• Lubricate the tip of the tube with water. • Ask patient to blow his/her nose or clean nostril gently. • Introduce the tube into the nostril and advance it forward. If obstruction is encountered, withdraw slightly then advance the tube at a slightly different angle. Gentle rotation of the tube can be helpful. • If the patient can co-operate request that when the tip of the tube is felt in the throat (oropharynx) he/she swallows tilting the chin downward slightly at the same time. This process may also be aided by sipping water through a straw. • Advance the tube forward maintaining a calm manner at all times encouraging the patient to take slow even breaths. • When the mark on the tube reaches the nostril, tape the tube to the cheek and check the position of the tip. • Check the position of the tube by method described in section 4.4.3

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• Anchor tube securely to the nose and cheek keeping it out of the patient’s visual field. 77 • Record the procedure and technique used to confirm position in nursing/medical notes. • Feeding can commence when tip of tube is confirmed to be positioned correctly. 78 79

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Appendix 2; Patient Safety Alert 05 Reducing the harm caused by misplaced nasogastric feeding tubes This information is available as a pdf at npsa.nhs.uk/advice

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Appendix 3: Risk Assessment for the insertion of PEG Tubes

ENDOSCOPY UNIT CASTLE HILL HOSPITAL NURSING ASSESSMENT FORM FOR PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC

GASTROSTOMY INSERTION PATIENT DETAILS Name………………………………..Consultant………………………………….. Hospital no………………………….Ward………………………………HRI/CHH DOB………………………………………………………………………………….

Indications for PEG insertion………………………………………………………..

Yes

No

Comments

Medication, including anticoagulation therapy

Allergies

Infection control concerns

Moving and handling issues

Consent

Clotting screen, FBC, BCP

Antibiotic cover requested

IV access

Presence of abdominal scarring/surgery

Contraindication to PEG

Past medical history Explanation of procedure

Dietetic assessment

Speech and Language Therapy Service assessment

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Weight record

Mouthcare advice given

Additional information (continue overleaf if necessary) ………………………………………………………………………………………. Assessed by:…………………………………..Date:……………………………

INDICATIONS FOR INSERTION If a patient cannot take nutrition orally, but their gastrointestinal tract is functional, it should be used for nutrition support. This helps to maintain normal functions and makes metabolic disturbances less likely.(Holmes 1996.). What are the indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (P .E.G.) insertion on this patient? They may include the following :- 1. Dysphagia,possibly following CVA or RTA trauma. 2. Need for nutritional support. This may be be medium or long term, ie:cystic

fibrosis, MS, Huntington’s Disease, patients undergoing DXR or chemotherapy.

3. Obstructive conditions that prevent oral or naso-gastric feeding for example head or neck cancer.

4. Inability to tolerate naso-gastric feeding. 5. Patients unable to take enough nutrition orally ie: unconscious. 6. Patients undergoing oropharyngeal / max face surgery. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) 88, 94, British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 1996, D'Silva and Shephard 97, Arrowsmith 1996, Liddle 1995, Peters and Westerby 1994.) ORAL HYGIENE Check the condition of the patient's mouth. Is the mouth moist and clean? Can the patient's oral hygiene be improved as part of their preparation? During P .E.G.insertion the scope has to pass through the mouth and then continues down to the entry site on the stomach wall, keeping the mouth clean helps to reduce transfer of bacteria.

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SOCIAL HISTORY This is asking us to consider the patient's social background prior to their hospital admission. What sort of accommodation are they in ? Who do they live with ? Who will the P .E.G.insertion effect besides the patient ? Who is going to be their main carer when they are discharged ? Have they had referral to the social workers since admission ? and why ? Are they being discharged home or elsewhere ? For example they may go to a nursing home or residential home when discharged from hospital. The hospital dietician and the nursing staff in the patient's clinical area take responsibility for the educational needs of the patient/carer and planning their discharge package of care. This includes liasing with the community dietician and the primary health team, including the GP and district nurses. ALLERGIES All allergies should be noted during assessment and be acted on appropriately when planning the patients care. MEDICAL HISTORY We must consider any previous medical history that may increase existing risks associated with P .E. G. insertion. There may also be contra- indications present regarding the procedure, these may include ;- Previous abdominal surgery. 1. Ascites. 2. Aneurysm. 3. Enlargement / displacement of anatomy i.e.: liver. 4. Gastric varices. 5. Morbid obesity. 6. Uncorrectable coagulation disorders. 7. Current chest infection. " 8. Active gastric ulcer. 9. 0esophageal obstruction. 10. Gastric outlet obstruction. 11. Peritoneal dialysis. (ASGE 88, 94, D'Silva and Shephard 97, Arrowsmith 1~96, Liddle 1995, Peters and Westerby 1994.) The patient may also have other medical conditions, which require consideration and or management, for example diabetes.

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ABDOMEN The abdomen should be checked for visible scars. Size should be noted, obesity can make P .E.G. placement more difficult due to the increased thickness of the fat layer. (ASGE 88, D'Silva and Shepherd 97.) ASSESSMENTS Assessment should be a multidisciplinary process and includes both the dietician and possibly the speech therapist as well as the patient, relative or carer, nursing and medical staff.(White 1998.). Has the dietician been involved in the patient's care and made an assessment regarding the patients nutritional needs and P.E.G. insertion. Is there a record of the patients weight / BMI. The dietician will need to be informed when the P .E.G. is due to be placed so that they can plan and over see the patients new nutritional regime. Has the speech therapist carried out a swallowing assessment if appropriate? Is the risk of aspiration an indication? MEDICATIONS We are looking for any medications, which may interact with the sedation or increase existing risk factors. Prime examples of these are temazepam that interferes with the action of the sedation or warfarin, which increases the risk of haemorrhage. Does the patient need coagulation screening/management prior to insertion? INFORMATION GIVEN TO :- 1.Patient- Assessment for PEG insertion should always be patient and not procedure centred. This should include verbal and written information regarding P .E.G. insertion and how this will 'effect the patient's activity of living. It should include an explanation about the procedure and what to expect on the unit. Patients should be aware of the risks associated with sedation, infection, aspiration, perforation and haemorrhage.(BSG 1999.) The patient also needs to expect some soreness post insertion and reassurance that they can have some analgesia to relieve this. Explain that there will be a dressing in place initially for the first five days. What effect the Peg will have on the patient's nutritional status. What sort of care will be required? Time should be given for patient to ask questions and express any anxieties they may have. The unit can always be contacted by phone if further information and support is needed. They should be aware that PEG insertion is viewed as a medium to long term approach to nutritional support and would expect the Peg to be insitu for a minimum of three months. The patient should also be informed of the direct access service.

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Psychological aspects of having a P .E.G. include feeling of loss of control, change in body image, loss of libido and possible changes in life style.(Holmes 1996, Rickman 1998.). Use the model to allow the patient to be able to feel and see what a P .E.G. will look like. This can help lessen the shock post procedure, but it doesn't always dispel feelings of revulsion that the patient may feel.(White 2000.). 2.Family- It is good practice to involve family when planning PEG insertion especially if they are the main carers. The information given will be similar to that given to the patient. P .E.G. insertion can also have an impact on the carer in regard to both physical and mental demands made upon them and their relationship with the patient.(Rickman 1998.). 3.Staff- They should be made aware of the outcome of your assessment and a written record needs to be entered into the patients nursing/medical notes. Once you have discussed the patient with the endoscopist inform the ward of the patients plan of care. Patient preparation should be discussed and include nursing care, consent, cannula, bloods, period of starvation needed and antibiotic prophylaxis. CONSENT I.Patient- If the patient is able to consent himself or herself, then they should do so. They must be aware that they are signing to say that they understand what is going to be done, why and any risks associated with the procedure. This should be completed within the patient's clinical area- ., 2.NOK-It is good practice to involve the nok, but they cannot give written consent.(Archer 199 ) 3.Endoscopist-Ifthe patient cannot consent himself or herself then the doctor proposing the PEG insertion must complete the consent form. MOVING AND HANDLING The patients moving and handling needs should be assessed within unit and trust policy. CANNULA Ask the ward to insert a cannula as part of the patient's preparation.(BSG 1995.) ANTIBIOTIC COVER All patients having a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy should receive prophylactic antibiotics. (BSG 2001.)

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BLOODS Patients should have a recent U&E result available. Dr Tsai requests that clotting screening be carried out prior to PEG placement. Mr Wedgwood requests clotting screening is only carried out if clinically indicated. RISK ASSESSMENT Once you have completed your assessment, record your findings on the assessment sheet and in the patient's nursing/medical records. Discuss with the endoscopist and arrange plan of care. If appropriate the endoscopist could be asked to carry out his or her own clinical assessment. Effective assessment is an important part of P.E.G. insertion. It ensures that the patient is well informed and able to make informed choices, the patient receives the appropriate care for their individual needs, preparation and clinical management is well planned and carried out and any potential complications can be highlighted and managed as appropriate. . DATE AND SIGNATURE The assessment should be dated and signed and attached to the patient's endoscopy assessment sheet. REFERENCES 1. Archer.C. (199 ) Peg Assessment Techniques. 2. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.(1994) Endoscopy Feeding

Tubes. November. Internet 05/05/01. 3. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (1988) Role of the

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy. Publication no.1017. Internet 27/04/01.

4. Arrowsmith.H. (1996) Nursing Management ofPatients Receiving Gastrostomy Feeding. British Journal of Nursing. Vol.5. p268-273.

5. British Society of Gastroenterology. (2001) Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. January.

6. British Society of Gastroenterology. (1995) Gastro-Intestinal Endoscopy in General Practice.

7. British Society of Gastroenterology (1996) Guidelines on Artificial Nutritional Support.

8. British Society of Gastroenterology (1999) Informed Consent for Endoscopic Procedures.

9. Holmes.S. (1996) Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: a review. Nursing Times. Apri124. Vol.92. no.17 p34-35.

10. Liddle.K. (1995) Making Sense ofPercutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy. Nursing Times. May 3rd. Vol.91.no18. p32-33.

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11. Peters.R.A. Westerby.D. (1994) Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy.Indications, Timing and Complications of Technique. British Journal of Intensive Care. P88-95.

12. Rickman.J. (1998) Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: psychological effects. British Journal of Nursing. V 01.17. no.12. p723- 729.

13. Shephard. M. Mason.J. (1997) Practical Endoscopy. Oxford.Chapman and Hall.

14. 14. White.S. (1998) Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG). Nursing Standard. April 1. Vol.12. no.28. p41-45.

15. White.S. (2000) A Multidisciplinary PEG Service and the Nurse Specialist. Nursing Times Plus. Dec7. No.49 p6-9.

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Appendix 4 Guidelines for Oral Hygiene for the Dependent Dysphagic Patient Cleaning Teeth and Oral Mucosa When Patient has Dysphagia • Wear gloves and disposable aprons • Position patient upright or semi upright with head supported and remove any dentures. • Ideally tooth brushing should be undertaken by 2 carers/staff. • Ideally suction should be available, alternatively use an aspirating toothbrush. • Access and vision are improved when tooth brushing is undertaken by carers positioned in front of the patient and by using a light source, e.g. pen torch. • Use a dry medium textured toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste so that foam production is minimized. • Pink foam sticks may be used to swab mucosa but have no use in the cleaning of teeth. • Lemon and glycerine swabs should never be used. • Clean all surfaces of the teeth, paying particular attention to the tooth gum margin, with continuous suction. • Gently clean the tongue, palate and cheek mucosa with a soft toothbrush. • Where the patient’s gums are bleeding, continue tooth brushing and brush more often - where there is no improvement, seek further dental advice. • Where calculus is present, seek dental advice. • All problems should be referred to the dentist for advice. Record all mouth care interventions in patient’s clinical record When a patient becomes critically ill, enters a high dependency ward or is intubated, their oral hygiene programme should be reassessed. 81 Reference: British Society of Disability and Oral Health, (2000). Guidelines for the Development of Local Standards of Oral Health Care for Dependent, Dysphagic, Critically and Terminally Ill Patients. Care of Dentures When Patient has Dysphagia • Wear gloves and disposable aprons

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• All dentures and partial dentures should be removed and thoroughly cleaned at least once a day. • Brush all surfaces of the denture, paying particular attention to the fitting surfaces, and/or any metal clasps on partial dentures. • Use a toothbrush or denture brush and unperfumed soap or denture cream (avoid toothpaste as it is too abrasive). • Clean dentures over a basin of water (to prevent breakage if dropped). • Gently clean the tongue, palate and cheek mucosa with a soft toothbrush. • Rinse dentures thoroughly and return to mouth. • Always remove dentures at night, clean them and leave to soak in cold water. • If a patient insists on wearing dentures at night negotiate a more suitable period of time for their removal. • If dentures appear to be ill fitting, refer to dentist. Record all mouth care interventions in patient’s clinical record When a patient becomes critically ill, enters a high dependency ward or is intubated, their oral hygiene programme should be reassessed. SOME MEDICATIONS AFFECTING ORAL HEALTH ASPIRIN ANTI-PARKINSONIAN DRUGS ANTIHYPERTENSIVES STERIODS NSAID ANTI-PSYCOTIC DRUGS OXYGEN DIURETICS ANTI-BIOTICS INHALANTS ANTI-DEPRESSANTS MORPHINE TOOLS TO CONSIDER * Tooth Brushes. Should be small and soft. Good for removing debris and most staining from teeth * Foam Sticks Easy to manipulate. Good for cleaning soft membranes and tongue.

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ORAL CARE PRODUCTS AND THEIR USES PRODUCT USES NEGATIVE

EFFECTS Thymol Refreshing Unpleasant taste Sodium bicarbonate Mucosolvent Unpleasant taste Glycerine swabs Refreshing Saliva over production Tap water Refreshing, Ideal pH 7 Short-term effect No effect on bacteria Chlorhexidine Inhibits bacterial Unpleasant taste, stains growth teeth Toothpaste and brush Refreshing debris Drying effect if mouth not remover rinsed Vaseline Prevents lips cracking Apply to lips avoiding oral cavity Hydrogen peroxide Effective cleansing Dilute correctly, agent unpleasant taste Nystatin Anti-fungal Overuse can cause resistance Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Patient Name………………………….. DOB …………..Unit no……Ward……..Affix patient ID if available (check details)

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PRESENT ORAL CONDITION please use the score total below to formulate nursing intervention Mouth pink and moist 0 Clean/free from debris 0 Mouth pink but dry/lack of saliva 0 Lips smooth and moist 1 Lips dry/cracked/bleeding 2 Plaque/debris/decaying teeth 3 Obvious broken areas/thrush 4 MASTICATION ABILITY Ability intact/normal diet 0

Needs soft diet/loose/no dentures

1

Pain on eating 2

Needs puree diet/delayed gag reflex

3

PHYSICAL ABILITY Functional ability intact 0

Needs help to assess facilities 1

Needs help with oral hygiene 2

Paralysed/unconscious 4

MENTAL WELLBEING Alert/orientated 0

Apathetic/depressed 1

Confused/memory impaired 2

Aggressive 3

Sedated/unconscious 4

NUTRITIONAL STATUS Low risk/U's & E's normal 0

Diet supplements/moderate risk 1

Referred/input / high risk 2

Emaciated/IV fluids 3

Unconscious/nil by mouth 4

SPECIAL RISK FACTORS Diabetes 1

Medications (see overleaf) 1

Renal failure 1

Low haemoglobin 1

Open mouth breathing 1

Oxygen therapy/dyspnoea 2

Immunosuppressant dose steroids

2

Radio/chemotherapy 2

SCORE TOTAL

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DATE

NURSE INITIAL

NURSE DESIGNATION

INTERPRETATION OF SCORE Total score between 5-8 = LOW RISK Nursing team to offer oral care after each meal. Offer help as required. Review regularly or as condition dictates. Total score between 9-12 = MODERATE RISK Nursing team to assist with oral care every 3 hours. Ensure all items are within easy reach or patient. Nursing team to give oral care if patient unable. REFERENCES (Griffiths J, Royle S (1993) A Colour Guide to Holistic Oral Care, Aylesbury, Mosby. Hatton-Smith CK (1994) A last bastion of ritualised care. Professional Nurse, 9 5 304-308. Lockwood A (2000) Implementing an oral hygiene assessment tool on an acute medical ward for older people. Nursing Older People, Vol.12 7 18-19. Millinson K (1991) Taking care of John's mouth. Nursing Times, 87 21 34-35. Shay K, Ship J (1995) The importance of oral health in the older patient. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 43 12 1414-1421. Sweeny P (1998) Mouth care in nursing: common oral conditions. Journal of Nursing Care, 1 1 4-7. Teasedale K (1995) The nurse's role in anxiety management. Professional Nurse, 10, 8 509-512. This is an assessment tool only. Each patient should have an individualised plan of care. Please consult medical staff for advice if concerned.

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Appendix 5 Risk Assessment of Patient’s Susceptibility to Infection

Is the patient receiving enteral feeding at special risk of infection because they: Are being fed by a route that bypasses the stomach e.g. jejunostomy or Have been prescribed gastric acid reducing therapy e.g. proton pump inhibitors or H2 antagonists or Are immunocompromised e.g. prescribed immunosuppresants, cytotoxics, long courses of corticosteroids etc or Have had an organ transplant or Are immunocompromised due to disease or Have major injuries such as burns, multiple fractures

No

YES

• A new oral/enteral or catheter tip syringe should be used every time the tube is flushed or the patient recieves medication* NOTE: Sterile syringes must always be used for patients who have jejunostomy tubes or who are immunocompromised etc (See box 1) • Sterile water to be used for flushing (and as additional water if required) NOTE: A fresh bottle of sterile water should be opened each time water is required) • Non-sterile gloves and disposable apron to be worn during any manipulation of the feeding system • Particular attention should be paid to hand hygiene. Hands should be thoroughly washed and dried before donning and after removal of gloves and aprons

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YES YES

YES NO YES NO

Protective clothing (gloves and aprons) not required, but hands must be thoroughly washed and dried before assembling or manipulating system.

If health care workers are managing feed etc gloves (non-sterile) and aprons to be worn when assembling feeding system and for any subsequent manipulations. Particular care must be given to hand hygiene. Hands should be thoroughly washed and dried before donning and after removal of gloves and aprons.

An oral/enteral/catheter tip syringe should be used for flushing tubing or administering medication*. Syringes labelled by the manufacturer as “re-usable for single patient use” should be cleaned after each use and replaced as per manufacturer’s instructions. Cooled boiled water, may be used for flushing (and as additional water as required).

Consider use of new oral/enteral or catheter tip syringe each time the tube is flushed or the patient receives medication*.and replace cooled boiled water with “sterile water” for irrigation.

• Medicines should be measured using oral syringes and not hypodermic syringe

The patient is not at special risk of infection and are being fed in nursing home/residential home/own home

Is the patient’s feed/feeding system being managed by the patient themselves or a family member/carer? Is the home environment, particularly the kitchen,

maintained in a hygienic condition?

The patient is not at special risk of infection and they are being fed in hospital

A new oral/enteral or catheter tip syringe should be used every 24 hours NOTE: Sterile syringes must always be used for patients who have jejunostomy tubes or who are immunocompromised etc (See box 1) • Sterile water to be used for flushing (and as additional water if required) NOTE: A fresh bottle of sterile water should be opened each time water is required) • Non-sterile gloves and disposable apron to be worn during any manipulation of the feeding system • Particular attention should be paid to hand hygiene. Hands should be thoroughly washed and dried before donning and after removal of gloves and aprons

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Appendix 6 : Cleaning and re-use of syringes The following guidance is taken directly from the original guidance published 2002. The risk management committee for the acute and community trust has approved the re-use of 50 mls syringe for up to 24 hours in the acute setting and up to a week in the community as long as stringent cleaning measures are followed. The exception to the above is if the patient fits into one of the following categories:- • Immunocompromised • Children < 1 year old • Fed via a jejunostomy tube Equipment required Neutral detergent (washing up liquid) Water Paper towels Clear plastic bag . Cleaning procedure When feed administration has been completed flush through with warm water. Mix some detergent and warm water together in a receptacle e.g. bowl/sink and submerge the syringe and remove any debris by agitation also by flushing the fluid through the syringe using the plunger repeatedly. When visibly clean, dry the syringe with clean paper towels and allow to thoroughly air-dry (paper towels optional). Store the syringe and barrel disassembled in a clear plastic bag ready for use. Label the bag with date/patient name and change the syringe and bag every 24 hours or 7 days. Enteral Feeding Policy 2002 (updated 2006)

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Appendix 7: Drug Interactions with Feed and PVC Feeding Tubes THE FOLLOWING GIVES GUIDANCE FOR ADMINISTERING SPECIFIC DRUGS VIA ENTERAL FEEDING TUBES, WHICH MAY INTERACT WITH ENTERAL FEEDS, DRUGS OR NEED TO BE GIVEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. CAPTOPRIL (tablets will disperse in water) Give on an empty stomach CARBAMAZEPINE (liquid) To be administer at the same time and way each day. Stop enteral feed for at least 2 hours before and 2 hours after dose to maximise drug absorption. Absorbed onto PVC feeding tubes. Dilute liquid with equal quantity of water before administration, to reduce the loss of carbamazepine on the PVC tubing. CHOLESTYRAMINE Will affect the absorption of other drugs, there all other medication should be given at least 1 hour before or four-six hours after a dose of cholestryamine. The enteral feeding tube should be flushed well after each dose. CIMETIDINE Syrup is incompatible with feeds. Stop feed for at least 1 hour before and after dose. CIPRFLOXACIN (liquid) Flush with 65ml of sterile water post dose. Interacts with feed and will significantly reduce the amount of drug absorbed. A feeding break of at least 1 hour pre dose and at least 2 hours post dose is recommended. Absorption has been shown to be reduced by 28% when administered with Ensure and 33% when administered with Osmolite. CICLOSPORIN (oral solution) Leave time gap of 1 hour before administering next drug down the tube Oily component of ciclosporin solution may cause adherence of drug to feeding tube. Therefore subtherapeutic doses are likely. Monitoring drug levels closely is advised. DIAZEPAM (oral solution/syrup) Drug loss may occur when given via PVC, NG/NJ tubes as it is significantly adsorbed on to PVC. It may also contribute to blocking of the tubes. DIGOXIN (liquid) The absorption of digoxin is affected by high fibre feeds. Therefore allow a time gap of 2 hours before and after when high fibre feeds are being used. The elixir has a different bioavailability, thus dose adjusts may be required. Please see ward pharmacist. 62.5mcg tablet equivalent to 50mcg liquid (1ml) DOXAZOSIN (crush immediate release tablets only) Sterile water to used when mixing. Do not mix with other drugs/fluids as precipitation may occur. Flush tube well with water before and after each dose. DOXYCLINE (dispersible tablets) May have reduced absorption when given by enteral feeding tubes due to binding with calcium ions. Doses should be at the higher end of the standard dosing range.

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FEXOFENADINE (crush tablets) Leave a feeding break of 2hours before and after the dose. FLECAINIDE (oral liquid) Do not mix with alkali solutions, sulphate, phosphate or chloride ions. Flush well with sterile water. Do not mix with other drugs prior to administration FLUCLOXACILLIN (liquid) To be given on an empty stomach. Stop feed ½-1hour before administration. FLUCONAZOLE (liquid) If patient on a Jevity feed. Stop the feed 1 hour pre and post dose, as fluconazole interacts with Jevity. FLUVASTATIN (immediate release capsule only can be opened) Flush tube well as fluvastatin likely to block enteral feeding tube. GLIBENCLAMIDE (crush tablets) Give before start of feed. HYDRALAZINE (crush tablets or use injection orally) Absorption is reduced when using enteral feeds. Monitor blood pressure. METRONIDAZOLE (suspension) The suspension should be administered 1 hour before food to allow the metronidazole benzoate to be broken down into metronidazole. MEXILETINE (open capsules or give injection orally) Give at least 30minutes before food as it has a local anaesthetic effect. MONTELUKAST (chewable tablets to be dispersed in water) Stop feed 2 hours before and 1hour after the administration of montelukast. NIMODIPINE (crush tablets) Use immediately as tablets degrade rapidly once crushed. They are also light sensitive. Check patency of tube after administration as film coating from tablets may block NG tube. NORFLOXACIN Drug absorption decreased with feeds. Stop feeds for at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after dose. OFLOXACIN Drug absorption decreased with feeds. Stop feeds for at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after dose. PENICILLIN V (suspension) Interacts with enteral feeds. Stop the feed 1 hour before and 2 hours after each dose PERINDOPRIL (crush tablets) Stop feed 2 hours before and after each dose. Perindopril should be given on an empty stomach. PHENYTOIN (suspension)

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Interacts with enteral feeds. Stop feed 2 hours before and after each dose. Phenytion has a narrow therapeutic index. Patient response and levels should be monitored carefully especially when feeding regimes are changed, as a dose adjustment may be required. If volumes of phenytoin are impractical the capsules may be opened and administered. A dose change will be required when changing patients from solid form i.e. capsules to liquid due to a difference in the salt base. Phenytoin suspension equivalent to Phenytoin tablets/capsule 90mg 100mg PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (elixir) Stop feed 1 hour before and 2 hours after administration. Incompatible with enteral feeds. PYRAZINAMIDE (suspension made by pharmacy) Stop feed ½ to1 hour before and 1 hour after administration. RIFAMPICIN (syrup) Stop feed ½ to 1 hour before administration. SODIUM CLODRONATE (capsules to be opened and dispersed in water) Stop feed 2 hours before and after administration. SUCRALFATE (suspension) Stopping feed 1 hour before and after administration is recommended. THEOPHYLLINE Administer on empty stomach, stop feed for at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after dose. Interacts with enteral feeds and therefore patient should be monitored for loss of efficacy. Ensure adequate conversions from modified release preparations to liquid formulations due to difference in bioavailability. THYROXINE (crush tablets or suspension made by pharmacy) Soyabean formulations may increase faecal elimination. VERAPAMIL (oral solution) Stop feed ½ to 1 hour before administration. WARFARIN (crush tablets) Stop feed 1 hour before and after administration. Some feeds contain high vitamin K content. Vitamin K of 50micrograms has been reported to antagonise the effects of warfarin. The INR should be monitored closely and the dose adjusted as necessary. References: Enteral Feeding Tube Guidelines. Wrexham Maelor Hospital. North East Wales NHS Trust. January 2004

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Therapy Services Partnership

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

HOME ENTERAL TUBE FEEDING DISCHARGE SUMMARY

To:-

Discharge Dietitian:- Tel:-

Date of Discharge:-

Discharged by Dietitian:- YES NO SHARED CARE Please circle

Consultant:-

Discharged by Consultant:- YES NO DON’T KNOW Please circle

Discharge Hospital:-

Home Visit Required:- YES NO Please circle

Date Form Completed:- Date Form Received:-

PATIENTS DETAILS

Name:-

Date of Birth:-

Sex:- MALE FEMALE Please circle

Home Address:-

Postcode:- Tel:

Discharge Address:- (if different)

Postcode:- Tel:

COMMUNICATION

Carer’s Name:-

Carer’Carers Relationship:-

Community Nurse:- Tel:

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G.P. Details

Name:-

Address:-

Postcode:- Tel: CLINICAL DETAILS

Height:- cm

Weight:- kg

BMI:-

Weight Change Last 3/12:- kg

Primary Diagnosis:-P

Any Other Relevant Diagnosis:-

Any Relevant Blood Results:-

TUBE DETAILS

Route of Feeding:- NASOGASTRIC GASTROSTOMY JEJUNOSTOMY

Date Tube Placed:- Type:-

Make:-

Size:-

No per 28 days

METHOD OF FEEDING

PUMP BOLUS GRAVITY Please circle

Oral Intake:- YES NO Please circle

If ‘YES’ please give details:-

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PUMP DETAILS

Type of Pump:-

Serial Number:-

Drip Stand Supplied:- YES NO Please circle

Carry Pack Supplied:- YES NO Please circle FEED REQUIREMENTS

Product Name Presentation Volume Manufacturer Number per Day

FEEDING REGIME (Including fluid requirements)

ANCILLARY REQUIREMENTS

Syringes:

Syringe No per 28 days Syringe No per

28 days

50ml Catheter Tip 5ml Luer Lock

50ml Luer Slip 5ml Luer Slip

50ml Luer Lock 2ml Luer Lock

20ml Luer Lock 2ml Luer Slip

20ml Luer Slip 1ml Luer Lock

10ml Luer Lock 1ml Luer Slip

10ml Luer Slip

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Giving Sets:

Name & Type:-

Number per 28 days Extension Sets:

Name, Type & Size:-

Number per 28 days Dressings:

Name & Size:-

Number per 28 days

Name & Size:-

Number per 28 days Other items (Please specify, including number required per 28 days)

BANS INFORMATION

Primary Reason for Home Enteral Tube Feeding (please tick one box)

Swallowing Disorder Failure to Thrive

GIT Obstruction Unpalatibility of Specialised Feeds

Short Bowel Improve/Maintain Nutritional Status

Malabsorption Other (please specify)

Fistula

Anorexia Functional Status (please tick one box) Ability to Manage Nutritional Support (please tick one box)

Full Normal Activity Independent

Limited Activity Requires Some Help

Housebound Requires Total Help

Bedbound Child

Unconscious ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Please use additional sheet if necessary)

I confirm (please tick as appropriate)

The patient wants to get feed from local chemist The patient wishes Homeward to dispense and deliver The patient authorises Homeward to contact GP for Rx

April 2003

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Appendix 9: Useful references American Gastroenterology Association (2000). Guidelines for the use of Enteral Nutrition. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (2000). Guidelines for the use of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition in Adult and Paediatric Patients. British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (1999). Current Perspectives on Enteral Nutrition in Adults. British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (1994). Organisation of Nutritional Support in Hospitals. British Society of Gastroenterologists (1997). Guidelines in Gastroenterology, Guidelines on Artificial Nutrition Support. Elia, M., Cottee, S., Holden, C et al. Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition in the Community. Report by BAPEN working party. London: BAPEN, (1994). Gorman, R.C., Nance, M.L., Morris, J.B., (1995). Nutrition for the Hospitalised Patient, chapter 17 pages 329-351. Kings Fund Centre (1992). A Positive Approach to Nutrition as Treatment. Payne, James, Grimble and Silk. Artificial Nutrition Support in Clinical Practice 2nd Edition, chapter 17, pages 281 – 302. Greenwich Medical Media Limited. Torosian, M. M., Dekker, M. Nutrition for the Hospitalised Patient. Ch 17, pages 329-351. A

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS These guidelines have been based on those published by the Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team (CREST), which is a small team of health care professionals based in Northern Ireland, established under the auspices of the Central Medical Advisory Committee in 1988. The aims of CREST are to promote clinical efficiency in the Health Service in Northern Ireland, while ensuring the highest possible standard of clinical practice is maintained. These guidelines have been produced by a multidisciplinary sub-group of health care professionals from working across primary and secondary care in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. They wish to thank CREST and all those who contributed in any way to the development of these guidelines. DATE WRITTEN February 2006 REVIEW DATE February 2011