A study of the clinical application of a fixation device for nasogastric and nasoenteral feeding tubes

INTERVENTION: Any patient that requires nasogastric tube feeding that has had the tube removed or displaced accidentally on one occasion will be referred to the investigators. The patients will be randomised by assigning alternate patients to current practice (repeated attempts at nasogastric tube placement, referral for alternative routes of feeding, etc) or to nasogastric tube placement with tape fixation. Only patients in this arm of the study will require consent (specimen form attached) and an information sheet will be left with the patient. In the event of the patient being unable to consent, the procedure will be discussed with the next of kin from whom consent will be obtained. Outcomes will be recorded on an observation sheet attached to the patient's file. Competent patients will be questioned during the trial and after removal of the tube to determine acceptability. The trial will be terminated. CONDITION: Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine ; Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Duration of nasogastric feeding; 2. Number of nasogastric tube insertions attempted; 3. Proportion of target feed volume delivered; 4. Amount of time without tube in place; 5. Acceptability of technique to patients, their relatives and staff; 6. Number of referrals made for alternative feeding routes; 7. Time to resumption of oral feeding; 8. Patient discomfort or nasal discharge SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: Not provided at time of registration