Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.
J Hum Nutr Diet. 2022 Feb;35(1):23-32. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12913. Epub 2021 May 25.
It is estimated that 18,232 people received home enteral tube feeding (HETF) in the UK in 2013 and HETF often requires reliance on a caregiver. Caregivers are an essential resource, and so research is needed to explore their perspectives to inform how best to support them. Therefore, this meta-synthesis aimed to explore caregiver experiences of HETF.
A systematic search and a meta-synthesis of the literature relating to caregiver experiences of HETF were undertaken. Ethical approval was obtained from Coventry University Ethics. A comprehensive search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete and SCOPUS databases was conducted, followed by a reference list search of included studies. Studies were screened for eligibility using a priori inclusion criteria. Included studies used qualitative methodology, were in English, and explored caregivers' experiences of supporting an adult or child receiving HETF for at least 1 month. The meta-synthesis was conducted using a thematic-synthesis method. Included studies were assessed for quality, and rigour was ensured via transparent reporting of methodology, peer review and reflexivity.
In total, 328 records were screened, with 10 studies included and a total of 97 caregivers' experiences were reported. Four analytical themes were developed: loss of a normal life, psychological impact, practical challenges and becoming the 'expert'. Overall quality of the included studies was assessed as good.
This meta-synthesis highlighted the challenges experienced by caregivers, and revealed the need for improved HETF training for caregivers and psychological support from healthcare professionals, with the aim of providing personalised advice and regimes as part of holistic care.
据估计，2013 年在英国有 18232 人接受家庭肠内管饲（HETF）治疗，而 HETF 通常需要依赖护理人员。护理人员是不可或缺的资源，因此需要进行研究来探索他们的观点，以了解如何最好地为他们提供支持。因此，本次荟萃分析旨在探讨护理人员在 HETF 中的体验。
对与 HETF 护理人员体验相关的文献进行了系统检索和荟萃分析。考文垂大学伦理委员会获得了伦理批准。对 CINAHL、MEDLINE、Academic Search Complete 和 SCOPUS 数据库进行了全面检索，然后对纳入研究的参考文献进行了检索。使用事先确定的纳入标准对研究进行了筛选，以确定其是否符合资格。纳入的研究采用定性方法，使用英语，并探讨了护理人员支持至少接受 HETF 治疗 1 个月的成人或儿童的体验。使用主题合成方法进行荟萃分析。对纳入的研究进行了质量评估，并通过方法的透明报告、同行评审和反思确保了严谨性。
共筛选了 328 条记录，纳入了 10 项研究，共报告了 97 名护理人员的体验。得出了四个分析主题：正常生活的丧失、心理影响、实际挑战和成为“专家”。纳入研究的整体质量被评估为良好。
本次荟萃分析强调了护理人员所面临的挑战，并揭示了需要为护理人员提供更好的 HETF 培训以及医疗保健专业人员的心理支持，旨在提供个性化的建议和治疗方案，作为整体护理的一部分。
