Home nasogastric tube program for NICU infants: a seven year retrospective outcome analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of a Home Nasogastric Program for infants admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Study design: We performed a retrospective chart review of infants discharged from a Level III NICU to a Home Nasogastric (HNG) follow-up clinic from December 2014-February 2022. Data was recorded for two years post discharge from the NICU. Results: 83 infants were included in this study. There were no emergency department visits related to feeding tube dysfunction or nasogastric (NG) tube equipment malfunctions. The number of days the NG tube was used median (IQR): 3 (2-10). Seventy-seven (93%) infants had no documented feeding problems at the end of the follow-up period. We estimate 556 hospitalization days avoided resulting in cost savings. Conclusion: The Home NG program was safe and effective. This program decreased length of NICU stay and health care associated costs.
Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics
Institutions: University of North Dakota, Sanford Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4409747100