Enteral Feeding – Tube Care and Management

Clinical

Course No. 1206

£ (Please contact us for a group quote.)

Face to Face - 3.00 hour(s)

Certificate of Attendance

Available Funding:

Self funded

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Course Outline

This Enteral Feeding – Tube Care and Management course introduces you to the key principles of nutritional support and the use of feeding tubes in patient care.

You will explore why patients or clients may need extra help to meet their nutritional needs, and consider situations where placing a tube may not be suitable. The course looks at different methods of providing nutritional support, including tube feeding, and explains how each method – or a combination – may be used in practice. You will learn about the care required to keep patients safe, comfortable, and well supported, while also understanding how feeding tubes can be used to give medicines.

We will also touch on the ethical dilemmas that can arise when making decisions about enteral feeding. By the end of this training, you will feel more confident discussing, supporting, and caring for patients who require this level of support.

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Explore why patients / clients require nutritional support / tubes
Reasons why it may not be appropriate to place a tube
Discuss different methods for providing that nutritional support
Explore the use of each method and combination methods
Discuss the care required to maintain the safety and comfort of the patient / client
Explore the use of the different tubes for medicine administration
Discuss potential ethical dilemmas associated with feeding tubes

Module 1: Understanding Nutrition and the Digestive Tract
Gain a clear overview of the digestive system, how food and fluids are processed, and what happens when swallowing or absorption becomes difficult.

Module 2: Reasons for Enteral Feeding
Explore why patients may require tube feeding, including swallowing difficulties, malnutrition risks, and inability to digest food. Consider when tube placement may not be appropriate.

Module 3: Routes, Tubes, and Feeding Methods
Learn about different types of feeding tubes, their placement, and how nutrition and medicines can be delivered safely. Compare methods such as bolus and pump feeding.

Module 4: Tube Care and Maintenance
Develop practical skills for checking tube placement, flushing, preventing blockages, and caring for insertion sites. Understand daily routines that protect comfort and prevent infection.

Module 5: Medication Administration
Understand safe practice for giving medicines via tubes, including legal considerations, preparation, and recording. Learn when to stop feeds or seek further checks.

Module 6: Complications and Risk Management
Identify common complications such as infection, leakage, or dislodgement, and learn how to respond quickly and effectively to keep patients safe.

Module 7: Ethical and Professional Considerations
Reflect on the ethical dilemmas of enteral feeding, patient consent, and human rights. Learn how to balance medical guidance with dignity and choice.

1. Who might need nutritional support or a feeding tube?
People who cannot eat or drink enough by mouth, such as those with swallowing problems, illness, injury, or surgery, may need extra support.

2. Are feeding tubes always the best option?
Not always. Sometimes health, comfort, or personal wishes mean that tube feeding is not the right choice.

3. What types of feeding tubes are used?
There are several types, such as tubes that go through the nose into the stomach or ones placed directly into the stomach or small bowel.

4. Can medicines be given through feeding tubes?
Yes. Many medicines can be given this way if the patient cannot swallow them safely.

5. How do carers keep patients safe and comfortable?
By checking the tube, keeping it clean, giving feeds correctly, and watching for any problems.

6. Are there ethical issues with tube feeding?
Yes. Sometimes difficult decisions need to be made about starting, continuing, or stopping tube feeding.