Caring for people with gastrostomy tubes and devices

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Caring for people with gastrostomy tubes and devices covers the patient journey from initiation of gastrostomy feeding to ongoing care, permanent tube removal and transition or transfer of care.

A gastrostomy feeding tube or device is one which has been inserted directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach to allow administration of nutrition, fluids and medications for people who are unable to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration through oral diet alone.

The insertion of a gastrostomy tube or device is considered a relatively safe procedure for adults and children, depending on the underlying medical condition of the patient. However, care for people needing gastrostomy tubes and devices and their families requires specific skills and knowledge and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Framework for local policies and procedures

The following documents are applicable across health care settings and are designed to provide a framework for the development of local policies and procedures.

Rob’s story: life with a feeding tube

It is important that all health professionals consider the patient perspective. In this video Rob and his wife Lynne explain their experience of living with a gastrostomy feeding tube.

Translated versions of Rob's story

Arabic | Cantonese | Korean | Mandarin | Vietnamese

Top tips and resources

  • Work with your health professionals to develop a feeding plan that fits with your lifestyle.
  • Ask questions whenever you need to.
  • Talk to your health professionals about any concerns or worries you have.
  • Keep this information handy:
    • type and size of the feeding tube and the date it was inserted or last replaced
    • your feeding plan
    • contact numbers for your health professionals.

  • Discuss the different tube feeding options with the patient and carer.
  • Work with the patient and carer to develop a feeding plan that fits with their lifestyle.
  • The patient should not be sent home without:
    • adequate education and written information about the tube and equipment, site care and their feeding regimen in their first language and in terms they can understand
    • access to an adequate supply of equipment and nutrition formula and information about how to access ongoing equipment and supplies
    • contact details of all relevant health professionals.
    • Ensure there is a system for ongoing support and monitoring, especially for patients and families that are new to tube feeding. Provide these details to the patient and carer.

Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia (GENCA)
Australian professional association for nurses in gastroenterology and endoscopy. Produces standards, advocates and provides training.

Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA)
Australian professional organisation for gastroenterology and hepatology healthcare professionals. Supports research, advocates and provides training.

AU tubie support
A closed Facebook group for peer support of individuals, families and parents and carers of children with feeding tubes in Australia and New Zealand.

Carers NSW
Non-government member organisation for carers in NSW, part of the National Carer Network. Provides information, education, resources and referrals to support carers.

Lifeline
A national charity providing people experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

The Oley Foundation
A non-profit home nutrition therapy member group, based in the United States. Provides information for people with home intravenous nutrition or tube feeding.

Patients on Intravenous and Nasogastric Nutrition Treatment (PINNT)
A member organisation based in the United Kingdom. Provides resources and education.

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