YouTube as a possible learning platform for patients and their family caregivers for gastrostomy tube feeding: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Many patients and family caregivers have informational needs, especially regarding gastrostomy care and home gastrostomy tube feeding. YouTube is a potential accessible option for educational resources concerning these topics. Methods: This study aimed to explore the educational quality and content of informational YouTube videos. We used "gastrostomy," "G-tube," "enteral feeding," and "enteral nutrition," as search keywords on YouTube on October 3, 2021. A total of 229 videos were evaluated using the global quality scale (GQS) and modified DISCERN scoring system. Variables extracted from the videos included general features, video parameters, and content themes. Results: The GQS and modified DISCERN scores were 3.31 +/- 0.90 and 2.63 +/- 1.23, respectively. There were educational quality and differences among videos uploaded by various agencies. Frequent video content themes included "cleaning and dressing a gastrostomy tube," "bolus method," and "replacing a balloon-type of gastrostomy tube." Conclusion: Results showed that YouTube can be a supplemental educational resource for people requiring gastrostomy care and for their caregivers. However, given the open-access nature of YouTube, healthcare professionals' guidance is needed for video selection. Healthcare professionals should know and use specific, reliable resources to effectively guide and educate patients with gastrostomy and their caregivers, enhancing their self-management skills and knowledge.