Outcomes for gastrostomy-fed children and their parents: qualitative findings from the ‘Your Tube’ study

Aim

To identify child and parent outcomes relevant to having a gastrostomy, and to specify outcomes believed to be particularly salient to type of diet (formula vs blended food).

Method

Twenty parents, two children (both 12y), and 41 professionals (dietitians [n=10]; nurses [n=12]; paediatricians [n=12]; speech and language therapists [n=7)]) were recruited. Parents and children were interviewed; professionals participated in focus groups. Children (2–18y) represented included those on formula (n=11), blended-food (n=7), and mixed (n=2) diets. All had been tube-fed for at least 6 months. Neurological, genetic, and metabolic conditions were represented.

Results

Participants identified a range of children’s outcomes relevant to a gastrostomy, including physical health, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep, and time spent feeding. The children described experiences of exclusion caused by being tube-fed. Time, sleep, and emotional health were regarded as most salient to understanding parents’ gastrostomy outcomes. Participants believed type of diet would most likely effect gastrointestinal symptoms, time spent feeding, sleep, and physical health.

Interpretation

Findings indicate a number of refinements to, and allow further specification of, the current ‘initial’ core outcome set for tube-fed children. Findings also have implications for choice of outcomes measures. Further qualitative research with children and young people is needed.