Author(s):

NHS Fife Nutrition and Dietetic Service

Publish Date:

September 2023 | 5 Minutes

Abstract:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS Fife Nutrition and Dietetic Service was focused on developing accessible enteral tube-feeding digital resources, aligning with a growing trend in online clinical content consumption and also the Scottish Government's vision within the Digital Health and Care Strategy¹.

To do this, they utilised innovative video-sharing platforms to engage with patients and carers and enhance skills and shared practice amongst their teams. These unique resources were pivotal in their achievement of the BDA Extraordinary Circumstances Award in 2022.

This article, written by members of the dietetic service, explores the creation of these resources in more detail, their learnings and key takeaways, as well as the positive feedback they have received from professionals, patients and carers.

Developing a portfolio of digital resources and training

A digital resource group relating to enteral tube feeding was formed by dietetic colleagues working in NHS Fife who have a shared interest, experience and enthusiasm to work innovatively. Our efforts and collaboration resulted in an array of digital resources and training materials.

To date, a portfolio of digital clips has been developed, focusing on aspects of tube care, stoma site care and enteral feeding.

Gastrostomy feeding tubes were the initial focus of this project due to higher patient numbers requiring this support. However, more recently, we have developed a nasogastric resource, and we are currently planning to create digital resources to support the management of nasojejunal and jejunostomy feeding tubes. To date, our efforts have primarily centred around the adult patient population. 

Delivering best practice via digital resources

By developing digital enteral tube feeding resources and redesigning training in relation to this, NHS Fife Nutrition and Dietetic Service are committed to working towards a ‘Once for Scotland’ model and approach, which aims to deliver best practice in a digital format.

The inclusion of video content in this context has the potential to extend our wider audience reach. Take, for instance, our digital clip titled ‘Enplugs – a visual guide’, which is a resource that has garnered national recognition.

Moreover, these digital resources carry the potential to reduce the necessity of escalating enteral tube-related issues to other healthcare settings, such as acute care, helping to improve efficiencies across all healthcare settings.

The informal feedback we have received thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are immensely proud that these digital resources have had a resounding impact on HCPs, patients and carers alike.

Dietitian
Video clip: Gravity bolus feed training

“This is brilliant and was perfect timing for me before I went out to see my lady with a new PEG bolus feeding.” 

District Nurse Team

“My colleagues and I learn best by observing new skills and the video clips lend themselves well to this way of learning – they have been really useful.”

Parent
Video clip: How to change the end of a PEG tube and How to replace a clamp on a feeding tube

“Looked at the videos and they are perfect. Very clear audio with easy to follow instructions. I would be very surprised if anyone couldn’t follow the instructions given. I don’t feel so nervous now about the feeding tube.”

Patient
Video clip: Gravity bolus feed training

“That seems really straightforward. I like that you can actually see the feed and water going down the feeding tube.”