Living with a Gastrostomy Tube

Chapter 5: Living with a Gastrostomy Tube

Overview:

• Factors affecting adjustment to gastrostomy tube feeding
• Psychosocial assessment tool and care plan
• Outlines challenges faced by the person after the insertion of a gastrostomy tube and includes management strategies
• Includes a relevant case study

Description:

Living with a gastrostomy tube presents many challenges for the people involved, their families, and the health professionals who care for them. This chapter describes some of the psychological responses to tube feeding. In addition, a process for assessing psychosocial challenges is outlined to help health care professionals understand and facilitate the person’s adjustment to tube feeding.

Topics:

• Factors affecting adjustment
• Psychosocial assessment
• Challenges for the person
  • Body image
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Autonomy
  • Sexual and sensual health
  • Privacy and dignity
  • Hypersalivation
  • Challenges for families
• Case study
• Conclusion

Speaker / Author:

Clare Hetzel
Clare is a psychologist, sexual health consultant, and visual artist. She holds a bachelor of arts degree (in psychology and anthropology), a diploma in educational psychology, and a diploma in visual arts. Clare has been involved in both private and public health care as a psychologist, educator, family counsellor, mediator, and consultant for the past twenty years. During this time she has developed and implemented a range of programs - including programs on sensual well-being and sexual health promotion, communication and conflict resolution, and grief and stress management.

Clare spent four years working with the complex care unit at Melbourne Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service (Victoria, Australia), during which time one of her roles was supporting people and their families in adjusting to living with a gastrostomy tube. Clare is a co-director of Desirable Outcomes Pty Ltd, a business that is committed to promoting sexual health for adults in aged and disability services.

Professional Reviews: