Psychosocial implications of gastrostomy placement.

This article reviews the literature on the psychosocial implications of gastrostomy placement, and highlights key areas of concern for children and their families. Information giving, failure and abnormality, professional support, and concerns and outcomes were the themes that emerged from the literature. Analysing these themes showed that there is a significant gap in service provision and it is suggested that introducing the role of a key worker as a single point of contact for advice and support could improve the services received by children with complex needs and their families.