Practice VS. Evidence: Predicting Insertion Length and Verifying Placement of Feeding Tubes in Neonates

Abstract

The placement of nasogastric (NG) and orogastric (OG) feeding tubes is one of the most common procedures performed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). According to the literature, as many as 44% of feeding tubes are placed in the incorrect location in children (Parker, Withers, & Talaga, 2018). The purpose of this process evaluation project was to analyze the current processes and human factors in predicting insertion length and verifying placement of feeding tubes in neonates. The goal was to use the data obtained to compare current practices to current evidence. If warranted, the ultimate goal was for the data obtained to lead to a future practice change. The setting was Kentucky Children’s Hospital NICU and the target population was registered nurses (RNs) in the NICU. Inclusion criterion was RNs employed by University of Kentucky Health Care that work in the NICU. RNs working all shifts were included, as well as full and part time nurses. Exclusion criterion was RNs still in orientation at the time of the project. Approval was obtained from the University of Louisville Institution Review Board and the University of Kentucky Nursing Research Committee. Data were collected via a survey distributed to the NICU nursing listserv using SurveyMonkeyTM. The data collected showed that non-evidence based practice continued to be used for predicting insertion length and verifying placement of feeding tubes. Findings from the project were presented to the nursing staff through a PowerPointTM report format