Post-PEG feeding time: a web based national survey amongst gastroenterologists

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Practice
• Patient Nutrition

Background:

• Evidence suggests early post-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding is safe.
• No established consensus on optimal timing for initiating feeding after PEG placement exists.
• Variability in clinical practice necessitates investigation into factors influencing feeding initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey gastroenterologists on current practices for feeding initiation post-PEG placement.
• To identify clinical and practitioner-based factors associated with early versus delayed feeding.
• To assess awareness of existing literature regarding post-PEG feeding protocols.

Main Methods:

• A national survey was distributed to 5256 gastroenterologists.
• The survey collected data on feeding initiation timing, literature awareness, and physician demographics.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software.

Main Results:

• A 28% response rate was achieved, with varied practice patterns observed.
• Private practice gastroenterologists initiated feeding earlier (≤12h) than academic physicians (p<0.0001).
• Physicians aware of current literature and male physicians initiated feeding earlier than their counterparts (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Feeding initiation timing post-PEG placement demonstrates significant variability among gastroenterologists.
• Further research is needed to understand and overcome barriers to standardizing post-PEG feeding protocols.
• Optimizing feeding protocols can potentially improve patient outcomes and resource utilization.