PEG Tube Feedings

PEG Tube Feedings

TO THE EDITOR:

Your article “Malnutrition in patients with severe dementia: Is there a place for PEG tube feeding?”¹ was very good, very helpful, and clearly states the facts. We had a resident who was NPO s/p aspiration pneumonia (she had a history of this and of dementia with dysphagia). The family was confused and not sure what to do; they felt pulled in both directions. The staff here was also unsure, reacting with emotion, feeling uninformed, and needing facts.

This made me go online to do my own research. I found multiple articles on PEG tube feeding, dementia, and dysphagia. However, your article was well-written, clear and concise, well-researched, professional, and yet easy to read. I enjoyed sharing it with other professionals within our facility—all who have been struggling with the issue of whether or not PEG tube feedings should be forced upon a resident.

Thanks for a well-researched article.

Petra Heres-DeNisco, RN Clinical Manager
Lutheran Care Center at Concord Village Poughkeepsie, NY

Reference

1. Braun UK, Kunik ME, Rabeneck L, Beyth RJ. Malnutrition in patients with severe dementia: Is there a place for PEG tube feeding? Annals of Long-Term Care: Clinical Care and Aging 2001;9(9):47-55.