Background

A multidisciplinary project with nutrition and speech pathology was commenced in March 2015, to develop a series of Australian specific visual instructional modules for patients and family members/carers. Nutrition modules of this resource will be developed and used to reinforce education provided by dietitians when tube feeding in out-patient setting is commenced.

Aim

To determine what module topics were deemed most beneficial through focus group discussion with patients who had required tube feeding as out-patients during their oncology treatment.

Method

Patients and family members/carers were asked to describe what education they received regarding how to use/care for their feeding tube. Participants were asked to describe their level of satisfaction with this education and what gaps they felt existed. Finally participants were asked what module topics would be most beneficial for future patients.

Results

5 patients attended, 3 with gastrostomy tube experience, 1 with nasogastric and 1 patient who had experience with both feeding tube types. 2 carers also attended. Current education processes include 30-60 minutes practical demonstration with patient’s own feeding tube, provision of written material and contact details. However, patients and carers recall this education to have been a maximum of 5 minutes, and left them feeling ill-equipped. Patients and carers acknowledged information overload and inability to accurately recall or process the education provided.

Conclusions

This focus group identified a large gap between existing education processes and what patients and family/carers recall receiving. This highlights the importance of considering the overwhelming volume of information received by cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. Patients and carers can find it difficult to process and remember information provided. This focus group confirmed the need for the visual educational tools that will be developed later this year. Module topics will include:  how to administer syringe bolus feed via gastrostomy, gravity bolus feed via nasogastric tube and administration of medications via feeding tubes. Alternative learning styles and education tools should be considered for this self-caring group of patients.