Clinical Research Directory

Caregiver Training Regarding Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Feeding and Care

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is used for patients who cannot be fed orally, have a reduced swallowing reflex, or require long-term feeding. PEG care and feeding, which is performed with nursing support in healthcare institutions, becomes the responsibility of the caregiver after discharge. During this process, a lack of information and insufficient mastery of PEG feeding can create stress for caregivers. This situation jeopardizes patient safety. Therefore, healthcare professionals should manage patient-centered care from the moment the PEG indication is established until discharge. In this regard, consistent guidance and healthcare education are needed for caregivers. Aim and hypotheses: This study aims to examine the effects of hands-on PEG feeding and PEG care training, enriched with audiovisual materials (video), on caregivers' knowledge level, skills, and stress levels related to the PEG feeding and care process. H1: The training provided for caregivers increases their knowledge level regarding PEG feeding and care. H2: The training provided for caregivers increases their skill level regarding PEG feeding and care. H3: The training provided for caregivers reduces their stress levels related to PEG feeding and care. Design: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with experimental and control groups. Method: The study population will consist of caregivers of patients receiving inpatient care at a state hospital and undergoing PEG placement for the first time. The sample size was calculated using the G-Power 3.1 program, resulting in a sample size of 54 (n1=27, n2=27), including the dropout rate. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups. The intervention group will receive hands-on training related to PEG feding and care using a low-fidelity model. In addition, caregivers will be provided with video training on PEG feeding and care that they can watch for review when needed. The control group will receive standard institutional training provided by the nutrition nurse of the institution where the study is conducted. Data will be collected face-to-face using a "Personal Information Form", "State Anxiety Inventory", "Skills Checklist", and "PEG Care Konowledge Form". Three measurements will be taken in the study. Test 0: Before the training (Personal Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory), Test 1: After the training (with the PEG Care Knowledge Form and the State Anxiety Inventory). Additionally, the researcher will evaluate the caregiver's feeding and care practices using the Skills Checklist. Test 2: Two weeks after from the Test 1 (State Anxiety Inventory and PEG Care Konowledge Form), also the researcher will also evaluate the caregiver's practices a second time using the Skills Checklist. Data will be analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 27 software package.

Impact of Information and Participation on Decision Time for Tracheostomy or PEG in ICU Families

Decisions regarding tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are frequently associated with substantial uncertainty, decisional conflict, and psychosocial burden among patients' relatives. Inadequate or non-tailored information may negatively influence anxiety levels, decision satisfaction, and subsequent adaptation to care responsibilities. Differences in communication patterns and educational background may further affect how families perceive the risks, benefits, and long-term implications of these procedures. This prospective study aims to evaluate the impact of relatives' educational level and different information delivery methods on anxiety, decision satisfaction, and the overall decision-making process related to tracheostomy and PEG in the ICU setting. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of structured, education-level-tailored information strategies to improve shared decision-making and family-centered care in critical care practice.

Training Program for PEG Caregivers: A Structured Intervention Study

This study aims to develop and evaluate a structured education program and a mobile application to support caregivers of patients receiving enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The intervention focuses on improving caregivers' knowledge, care practices, and perceived burden. The study will be conducted in three phases: a needs assessment, development of the education and digital support modules, and implementation of the intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to evaluate the impact of the intervention. The results are expected to contribute to the improvement of home PEG care quality and the empowerment of caregivers.