Citation:Reilly, C., Foley, J., Packer, R., Thapar, N., Keramat, S. A., & Marshall, J. (2025). More than meets the eye: The hidden burden of temporary feeding tubes on children and their families. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.70048
Background: Children with temporary feeding tubes are discharged home with increasing frequency, yet little is known about how families adapt and manage in their home environment. Whereas the physical side effects of temporary feeding tubes are well documented, the psychosocial impact on families remains underresearched. Understanding families’ evolving needs is critical to improving care and reducing caregiver burden.

Citation: Reilly, C., Marshall, J., Foley, J., Thapar, N., & Packer, R. (2025). “It’s just us”: Families’ experiences with temporary tube feeding. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.70019
Background: Although pediatric temporary (e.g., nasogastric) feeding tubes are widely used for short-term nutrition support, family impacts remain poorly defined. Research from long-term (e.g., gastrostomy) feeding tubes does not generalize because management and burdens differ. This study aimed to explore the financial, time and family burdens of temporary feeding tubes, and their impact on children’s quality of life.