The best laid plans...
Author: Paula Leslie, Hannah Crawford & Heather Wilkinson
Magazine issue: Spring 08
Page numbers: 17-19
Date: 29 February 2008
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PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube insertion is an effective way of providing nutrition, and its use with people with dysphagia is increasing. Concern is being expressed about the use of PEG tubes for people with end-stage dementia. With improved life expectancy for adults with learning disabilities likely to result in increased incidence of dementia, understanding indications for insertion of PEG tubes is vital. The authors describe attempts to undertake an exploratory, UK based retrospective review of closed files of adults with a diagnosed learning disability who had had a PEG tube fitted in the 12 months prior to their death. Data collection difficulties could not be overcome so the researchers held a multi-professional study day instead and have since continued to present on this issue and to explore other opportunities for research in this area.
