Background and aims: Dysphagia is common after stroke, so feeding
through a nasogastric (NG) tube may be necessary. These tubes are
frequently dislodged, causing interruption to feeding and hydration,
and potential aspiration of feed or fluids into the lungs. Interventions
to prevent this may include taping tubes to the face; the application
of hand mittens or bandaging patients’ hands; inserting the NG tube
into the nostril on the stroke-affected side; and nasal bridles. The aims
of this survey were to investigate the management of NG feeding for
stroke patients, including current tube confirmation and securing
techniques, and associated nurse education. This was part of a threephased
sequential mixed-methods study. This paper reports on the
second quantitative phase. Methods: A quantitative postal survey, based
on initial qualitative findings, was sent to registered nurses (n=528)
from the National Stroke Nurses Forum and Scottish Stroke Nurses
Forum, in addition to registered nurses working on stroke units
within the local health board. Results: The overall response rate was
59% (n=314/528). Tape was the most commonly used method for
securing tube position, followed by inserting the tube on the strokeaffected
side. Hand mittens were used more frequently than the nasal
bridle; bandaging hands was reported once. Taping was considered to
be more acceptable and safer than hand mittens or the nasal bridle,
but less effective. Training in inserting NG feeding tubes was received
by 56% (n=176/314). Methods used for confirming tube position
included aspiration and X-ray. Provision of training in confirmation
techniques varied. Conclusions: This study shows that the management
of NG feeding for dysphagic stroke patients requires standardisation,
as does the education for nurses to ensure that this intervention is
carried out safely, effectively and acceptably.