Restraint for nasogastric tube feeding in young people with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa: a retrospective audit

Abstract

Background: Medically unstable young people with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa, are admitted to the adolescent medical ward at the reporting institution for nutritional rehabilitation. If meals are refused a nasogastric tube may be needed. At times restraint is used to ensure the required feeds are administered. This is an ethically complex and distressing dilemma for all involved and can result in long-term trauma for young people. The aim of this project was to establish a profile of young people with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa who require restraint for nasogastric tube insertion and/or feeding in the acute care paediatric setting and to understand the ex..