Feeding tube self-management experience of patients at home after discharge following esophageal cancer surgery.

Abstract

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive malignancy with low survival (10%-30%). Nutritional problems are present throughout the perioperative period and are key to prognosis. Home enteral nutrition appears to improve the nutritional status of patients with EC. Few studies have addressed the experience of patients administering their own nutritional fluids and managing their own feeding tubes at home. The aim of this study was to explore the real-life experience of self-management of feeding tubes in patients at home after EC surgery in the first 3 months after discharge following surgery.

Aim: To explore feeding tube self-management experience of patients at home 3 months after discharge following EC surgery.

Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients using a feeding tube at home after EC surgery. Thematic analysis of the recordings identified themes related to feeding tube self-management.

Results: Patients expressed similar feelings about their tube management experiences concerning three contextualized themes: Self-management dilemmas, distressing experiences, and self-management facilitators.

Conclusion: There are many dilemmas and problems in self-managing feeding tubes in postoperative homebound patients with EC. Clinical staff should provide guidance to promote a positive change in self-management behavior.