Nasogastric tube feeding under restraint: understanding the impact and improving care.

Abstract

Background: Nasogastric tube feeding under physical restraint is an intervention that clinicians working in specialist mental health in-patient units may need to implement.

Aims: To examine the impact of this intervention on people with lived experience, carers and staff.

Method: People with lived experience and parents and/or carers were recruited via UK eating disorder charity Beat. Clinicians were recruited via the British Eating Disorders Society's research forum. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed, and the results were thematically analysed.

Results: Thirty-six participants took part, and overlapping themes were identified. All participants spoke in relation to four themes: (a) the short-term impact on the patient; (b) the impact on those around the patient; (c) the long-term impact; and (d) the positive impact. Subthemes were identified and explored.

Conclusion: This lifesaving intervention can also negatively affect patients, parents and carers, peers and staff. Further research is needed to understand how interactions and environmental modifications can mitigate the negative impacts.