PEG Tubes vs. NGT Feeding Systems

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses a research which measures the effects of having a PEG tube (as opposed to NGT) inserted, on the patient's quality of life as it relates to their ability to communicate and swallow. Two research questions are answered in this paper: "Does a PEG procedure have an effect on the patient's ability to communicate their wishes and improve there satisfaction with the quality of their life in regards to self-care?" and "Does the PEG method offer more satisfaction in regards to quality of life than the NGT method?" The paper illustrates the importance of taking the individual patient's feelings, concerns and wishes into account and not just focusing on the clinical side of things.

From the Paper:

"There are two primary methods for administering food to patients who can no longer swallow or have difficulty swallowing. The first is by way of an NGT tube, which is inserted through the nasal cavity and goes into the stomach. This procedure severely limits the patient's ability to speak or swallow. The other popular method is PEG where a tube is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. In this case a patient's ability is speak or swallow is not limited by the procedure itself. However, in stroke patients this ability may already be impaired. Many of us consider the ability to communicate our own wishes and enjoy conversation with other human beings a factor in determining our quality of life. Being unable to communicate with another creates a feeling of isolation or helplessness."

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