Evaluation of a discharge education protocol for pediatric patients with gastrostomy tubes

To evaluate the impact of a preprocedure education protocol for children who receive a gastrostomy tube (GT).

A preintervention-postintervention design, using surveys and comparison between preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts, was used to evaluate the effect of implementation of a standardized GT education protocol with 26 subjects on caregiver, patient, and provider outcomes.

The use of a preprocedure education protocol resulted in improved patient outcomes and increased caregiver knowledge and confidence and was considered a positive change by the providers.

Often education is a forgotten part of a medical procedure, and the importance of education is typically only recognized after an adverse event occurs. Establishing a standardized evidence-based education protocol for GT care improves overall care and satisfaction. Use of a systematic and family-centered interdisciplinary approach markedly improves patient care.