Quality Reports - Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Center

Emergency Department Visits for Supplemental Feeding (G-tube) Patients

Why we measure it - More than 2,000 supplemental feeding patients currently are followed by our GI Center. A downward trend in the number of patients seen in the Emergency Department for tube-related issues demonstrates effective care.

What this means - The number of patients requiring supplemental feeding continues to increase. However, our unique approach and partnership with families, community care givers and our inpatient colleagues is preventing G-tube related emergency room visits.

About the data - The data represents the number of GI Center patients with a G-tube who had one or more visits to the Emergency Department for a G-tube-related issue, divided by the total number of GI Center patients with a G-tube. This data was collected from our registration and scheduling database.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

• Our nurse clinician team provides instruction and mentorship that empowers patient families and their primary care physicians to identify potential issues early on and have the confidence to quickly and effectively manage the issues so Emergency Department visits may be avoided.
• We have a dedicated group of GI nurses trained in troubleshooting and managing G-tube issues serving the hospital, home health agencies and primary care offices. They are able to provide expert care in all aspects of G-tube management. This may include direct care of the patient, facilitating care in collaboration with the inpatient nursing team, coordinating a clinic visit, or phone consultation with a caregiver to provide direction or teaching.
• We educate other specialists throughout the hospital so more people have expertise in caring for patients with G-tubes and the care provided is more consistent.

Patients/Families:

• Be an advocate for your child. Participate in daily bedside clinical discussions and provide any information about your child that may be helpful to staff.
• Follow medical instructions fully and carefully before and after surgery.
• Ask questions if you don't understand the plan of care or if you are not sure how to care for your child at home.
• Attend any and all follow-up appointments.

If you have questions about this data or information, e-mail us or call (414) 266-6556.