Impact of Home Enteral Tube Feeding on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Roberge C, Tran M, Massoud C, Poirée B, Duval N, Damecour E, Frout D, Malvy D, Joly F, Lebailly P, Henry-Amar M
Primary Institution: Centre François Baclesse
Hypothesis
How does home enteral tube feeding affect the quality of life in patients with head and neck or oesophageal cancer?
Conclusion
Home enteral tube feeding is physically well accepted, but many patients may experience psychosocial distress.
Supporting Evidence
- The global health status/quality of life scale score slightly improved after home enteral tube feeding.
- Significant improvements were noted in symptoms like constipation, coughing, social functioning, and body image/sexuality.
- Two-thirds of patients wanted the feeding tube removed due to psychological discomfort.
- 15% of patients reported not visiting family due to the feeding tube.
- 23% of patients felt they could not go out in public because of the feeding tube.
Takeaway
This study looked at how feeding through a tube at home affects cancer patients' lives. While most found it okay physically, many felt sad or uncomfortable about it.
Methodology
A prospective study evaluating quality of life using specific questionnaires before and after home enteral tube feeding.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to patients being their own controls and reliance on subjective questionnaires.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and relied on self-reported measures.
Participant Demographics
Patients treated for head and neck or oesophageal cancer at the Centre François Baclesse in Caen, France.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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