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.