Do many hospice patients also have continuous G-tube feedings?

Specialties Hospice

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When I worked in hospice many years ago, I was told that continuous G-tube feedings were not allowed for hospice patients. I now work in LTC and the majority of our residents on hospice are also on continuous G-tube feedings. I guess things have changed over the years in regards to hospice care.

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Specializes in Hospice.

At our hospice, the patients with G-tubes were admitted with them. We won't make them stop using the g-tube but will only pay for the formula if it is the patient's only source of nutrition. If a patient stops eating, or progresses to the point that they cannot swallow, we consider g-tube insertion to be aggressive treatment.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It may depend on where you are and the hospice program. Hospice in my area will not admit pts with a G tube.

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Specializes in ICU, hospice.

I have had pts with them and we continued with it until they could not tolerate the food.

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I haven't seen many g/j tube feedings but some diagnoses almost require them like esophageal CA.

LTC facilities have their own ethical issues and business considerations.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Each case is SO different. I've only seen ALS pts and head/neck CA pts with feeding tubes.

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I currently have a new CVS pt with a G tube.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
I currently have a new CVS pt with a G tube.

New patient or new stroke?

How long has the GT been in?

Has the family discussed the goals of care relative to that tube and the artificial nutrition?

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It's a new hospice admission, lives in group home. Just adding another anecdotal case for the OP.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Every single esoph Ca patient that I have cared for in hospice with a GT regretted having it place...every one.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Every single esoph Ca patient that I have cared for in hospice with a GT regretted having it place...every one.

Oh I had one of those patients and he regretted it as well.He said it just prolonged his death.He was very bitter.

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We can educate and make recommendations but it's up to families and patients to make the final decision. And sometimes dementia etc removes the latter option. As they say, we're there to walk beside them. :)

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