ArticleNutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition2026
More than meets the eye: The hidden burden of temporary feeding tubes on children and their families.
Article in Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Clinician insights into pediatric temporary feeding tube management: Unseen barriers, unclear roles revealed from a prospective mixed methods study.Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundAlthough pediatric temporary (e.g., nasogastric) feeding tubes are widely used for short-term nutrition support, family impacts remain poorly defined. Research from long-term (e.g., gastrostomy) feeding tubes does not generalize because management and burdens differ. This study aimed to explore the financial, time and family burdens of temporary feeding tubes, and their impact on children's quality of life.
methodsA prospective mixed-methods longitudinal cohort study was conducted, following families over 4 months. Data were collected using diaries, interviews, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL
resultsThirty-six parents participated. Parents reported spending an average of 3.1 h daily on tube-related care. Indirect costs (e.g., lost income) averaged USD$1494.15/month (SD = $339.11), and out-of-pocket nonmedical costs (e.g., hiring help) represented 44% of monthly family income. Employment disruptions were reported by n = 18 (61%) of parents. Key predictors of lower quality of life for children were toddler age group, prior home tube feeding experience, and regional/rural residence. Preterm birth status and involvement of 4-6 medical teams were associated with higher quality of life. Parents reported challenges managing mealtimes, outings, and holidays.
conclusionTemporary tube feeding imposes substantial financial burdens, time demands, and disruptions to family life, with impacts on children's quality of life. Supporting successful management for children requiring this intervention requires integrated family-centered care, including structured support, education, and psychosocial interventions.
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