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DOI
https://doi.org/10.63853/DYLV3993
Description
INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP
Background: In late 2024, pediatric GI clinic RNs noted a rise in unexpected visits for nasogastric tube (NGT) reinsertion, continuing into early 2025. These visits disrupted clinical flow and strained limited RN resources. Caregivers were often unable or unwilling to perform reinsertion at home. RNs escalated the issue to leadership, prompting collaboration with the ambulatory clinical program director. Weekly planning meetings began in April 2025 to develop a safe, efficient workflow aimed at reducing unplanned NGT-related visits and improving care delivery.
Implementation: An interdisciplinary team, including GI clinic RNs, inpatient GI and NICU nurses, educators, clinical nurse specialists, A PNP, GI fellow, and practice managers were formed across the two organizational hospital locations. The team reviewed Epic data and patient charts from January 2024 to identify trends in caregiver education, health literacy, and social determinants of health. A pre-survey assessed RN knowledge and workflow challenges related to NGT reinsertion. Findings revealed barriers such a time constraint and inconsistent parent education, leading to low confidence in the process. Targeted training was implemented to improve RN competency. Existing inpatient and NICU resources informed a standardized workflow for home-based NGT care, finalized and shared with leadership in May 2025 to enhance care transitions and patient safety.
Evaluation: Initial assessment showed inconsistent patient education and limited interdisciplinary communication. Targeted training and collaboration improved caregiver preparedness and aligned team expectations. Within one month of implementing the standardized workflow, unexpected NGT reinsertion visits dropped to zero. This outcome highlights the impact of interdisciplinary teamwork and the essential role of non-clinical leaders in supporting nursing staff and enhancing ambulatory care delivery. Next steps are to complete a comprehensive literature review and ensure that education is more current and evidence based.
Publication Date
11-24-2025
Disciplines
Pediatric Nursing
Recommended Citation
Delatorre, Jordon; Gose, Nadia; Moore, Leslie; Parker, Aren; Patel, Shivani; and Rahim-Tejani, Iman, "Reducing Unexpected Nasogastric Tube Reinsertions Through Interdisciplinary Education: A Pediatric Ambulatory Initiative" (2025). 2025. 39.
https://scholarlycollection.childrens.com/nursing-anf2025/39
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
