Nasogastric feeding in children and adolescents with eating disorders: Toward good practice

Objective: This study aimed to provide an insight into the subjective exper iences of nasogastric feeding from the perspective of patients with eating disorders and their parents. Method: A semistructured self-report questionn aire was completed by patients from two specialist eating disorders units w ho had received nasogastric feeding. Parents' views were also assessed via a similar self-report questionnaire. Results: Diverse views were expressed by both patients and parents. Some regarded the experience of nasogastric f eeding as wholly negative, but acknowledged the lack of suitable alternativ es. Others had a more positive view and identified several helpful aspects. Conclusion: Reactions were generally more positive than had been anticipat ed. A number of useful suggestions were made regarding how to improve the p rocedure. These have informed the development of guidelines for good practi ce. (C) 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.