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Doctors' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Enteral Feeding and Eating Problems in Advanced Dementia.
Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2018 May-Aug;8(2):268-276
Authors: Punchik B, Komissarov E, Zeldez V, Freud T, Samson T, Press Y
Abstract
Background: The use of feeding tubes (FTs) in patients with advanced dementia does not yield positive health outcomes and can have a negative effect.
Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of physicians on the use of FTs for patients with advanced dementia.
Results: 201 of 240 doctors (83.8%) participated in the study; 61.7% of the doctors claimed that FTs prevent aspiration, 51.7% that they prevent pneumonia, and 38.8% that they prevent weight gain. Almost one-third (32.3%) said that the decision to use FTs could be taken by a hospitalist or a primary physician (28.9%).
Conclusion: We found large gaps in knowledge among doctors about the use of FTs and consequences in patients with advanced dementia.
PMID: 30140276 [PubMed]