We are excited to announce that NGSIG are launching a new nasogastric feeding tube audit tool. This resource tool is designed to support the implementation of previous Patient Safety Alerts (first alert in 2005 and subsequent alerts in 2011, 2016) and our compliance towards them. Nasogastric tube misplacement continues to be a patient safety issue causing risk of death and/or severe harm through failure to implement and follow guidance and practice safely.
The audit tool can be used to benchmark current care and safety and to help establish gaps in compliance towards the safety alerts. It is hoped that it will help those individuals who are responsible for implementing patient safety in this clinical area to challenge their organisations to improve compliance. The audit tool can be used in its entirety as it spans the pathway from NG decision making to discharge into community with a nasogastric feeding tube or alternatively it can also be used in smaller parts dependant on the area of clinical practice being audited. The main parts of the tool include whether it’s the right decision for the patient, the right time for tube placement, sufficient knowledge and skills, x-ray documentation, competency and transfer of care to community settings.
The original audit tool has been piloted and adapted by members of the NGSIG and used at Hywel Dda University Health Board, Epsom and St Helier and the Humber Health Partnership, with the results due to be shared on a national level.
Download AUDIT TOOL
