How Do I Promote Tube Feeding?

Tube feeding is a way to provide individuals with water, minerals, nutrients and medications when they cannot eat on their own. Diseases such as cancer or conditions such as comas may warrant this type of feeding. Although it is sometimes difficult to assess what type of tube feeding is best, general promotion of tube feeding is important, as tube feeding can and does save lives. You will be better able to promote tube feeding if you are aware of its benefits, technical aspects and major resource organizations.

Instructions

• 1

  List the benefits of tube feeding clearly in written and oral forms when discussing tube feeding options. The most obvious benefit is prolonged life, but other benefits include increased comfort for the patient, the symbolic representation of care and the ability to feed the patient quickly without the fear of choking. Other benefits include the ability to fight other diseases because the nutrients, water and minerals provided by the tube can positively impact the immune system.

• 2

  Refer patients and their friends and family members to organizations such as the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and the Oley Foundation. These organizations work to provide information on tube feeding, especially regarding tube feeding safety. Because you can cite other professional organizations, you will seem more credible and trustworthy when giving your argument for tube feeding. Referrals also spread the word about these worthwhile organizations.

• 3

  Give clear statistics related to the benefits of tube feeding. For example, you could explain that the number of people who develop complications is lower than the number of people that do not, if current data supports this point. You could point out positive changes in vitals or reports for quality of life as well. Be as specific as possible.

• 4

  Give patients and their families and friends informational brochures or pamphlets that explain exactly what tube feeding is and what is involved. Some people may be afraid to get a feeding tube because they don't know how the tube works or how it will physically affect them and their loved ones. They may be more receptive to the tube if they have a reference that answers their questions.

• 5

  Host free classes and seminars on the subject of tube feeding. Advertise and hold the classes and seminars in clinics and hospitals that have reviewed your content and are willing to host you.

• 6

  Start a website that provides tube feeding information. This can potentially get your data out to the entire world. Provide scholarly research and news links related to tube feeding as well as host a chat forum where people can interact for information and support.