QUALITY-OF-LIFE ISSUES FOR FAMILIES WHO MAKE THE DECISION TO USE A FEEDING TUBE FOR THEIR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES

Citation
Mj. Brotherson et al., QUALITY-OF-LIFE ISSUES FOR FAMILIES WHO MAKE THE DECISION TO USE A FEEDING TUBE FOR THEIR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES, Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 20(3), 1995, pp. 202-212
Citations number
34
Categorie Soggetti
Rehabilitation
ISSN journal
07491425
Volume
20
Issue
3
Year of publication
1995
Pages
202 - 212
Database
ISI
SICI code
0749-1425(1995)20:3<202:QIFFWM>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
Qualitative research methods were used to study families who had made or were in the process of making the decision to use a feeding tube to meet the nutrition needs of their child with a disability. Data were gathered over a 2-year period through interviews with eight families. Family decision making in the context of quality of life was examined using a theoretical family systems model. Descriptive themes and issue s emerged from the data that led to a greater understanding of what fa milies face in making this decision for their child. The data can help families and professionals work in partnership before a child becomes severely malnourished or medically compromised as a result of inadequ ate nutrition. The themes and issues are discussed and implications fo r future interventions and research are presented.