Three-Step Interdisciplinary Team Program for Nasogastric Tube Care

Abstract

Patients with chewing disorders and dysphagia often take nutrition via nasogastric tube feeding. Patients with indwelling nasogastric tubes often experience discomfort, resulting in increased incidences of self-extubation and slippage. Frequent changes or misplacement of the nasogastric tube may also cause patient safety issues such as aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal trauma, and pneumothorax. Collaboration within the interdisciplinary team is needed to provide proper nasogastric tube care prior to placement, during the indwelling process, and during the removal of the nasogastric tube. Interdisciplinary teams should develop standardized procedures for nasogastric tube care, initiate swallow screening, oral care and training early, and develop a care plan for nasogastric tube removal. An evidence-based, practical example of nasogastric tube care implemented by an interdisciplinary team in a neurology unit is presented in this article. Interdisciplinary teams may assist patients to prepare to return to a normal tube-free life using individualized, safe, and dignified nasogastric tube care to improve quality of life.