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Published on: February 5, 2019
Implementation and Qualitative Analysis of Peer Support for New Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Families
Peter Juviler1, Sarah Wegman1, Reza Yousefi-Nooraie2
1Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
Insights
A new peer support program for caregivers of children with gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) is feasible and acceptable. The G-tube Buddy Program offers valuable daily, social, and emotional support, enhancing care for families with G-tube needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Caregiver Support
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) insertion in children frequently leads to complications like dislodgement.
- These complications impose a significant emotional burden on caregivers.
- A peer support program was developed to address these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the G-tube Buddy Program.
- To explore the experiences of mentors and mentees in the program.
Main Methods:
- The G-tube Buddy Program paired experienced caregivers (mentors) with new caregivers (mentees).
- Seven mentors and 21 mentees participated between April 2022 and December 2022.
- Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups from five mentors and ten mentees.
Main Results:
- Key themes included relationship dynamics, mentor/mentee factors, program success determinants, and participant perceptions.
- Support primarily involved daily life assistance and social-emotional aid, with texting as the preferred communication method.
- Mentee satisfaction stemmed from perceived humanity, teaching, and hope generation; mentors were motivated by altruism, not financial gain.
Conclusions:
- The peer support model for families with new G-tubes is feasible and acceptable.
- The program offers valuable support, complementing clinical care.
- Findings will guide future program optimization for enhanced postoperative care.
Introduction:
Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) insertion in children has frequent complications, including dislodgment and return to the system, which are associated with emotional burden for caregivers. To address these issues, we developed a peer support program for caregivers of children with new G-tubes and aimed to explore program feasibility and acceptability.
Methods:
The G-tube Buddy Program is a peer support program that pairs an experienced G-tube caregiver with new G-tube caregivers. Between April 2022 and December 2022, seven mentors and 21 mentees participated in the program. Five mentors and ten mentees participated in semi-structured focus groups and interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using both inductive and deductive qualitative methods.
Results:
We identified five prominent domains: peer support relationship dynamics; mentor and mentee-specific factors; determinants of program success; mentor and mentee perception of the program; and suggestions for program improvement. These domains encompassed main themes: support consisted primarily of assistance with daily life and social and emotional support; texting was usually the preferred communication method; mentee satisfaction is rooted in humanness, teaching, and generation of hope; mentors participated due to positive feelings regarding helping new caregivers with financial motivation being less important; and, participants perceived the program as a valuable source of support for new caregivers that complements and expands the reach of care they receive from clinical providers.
Conclusions:
A peer support model for families with new G-tubes appears feasible and acceptable from participant perspectives. Responses validate the program's potential to add value to the postoperative care of children with G-tubes and will guide program optimization.
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