Clinical and Nonclinical Implications of Misplaced Nasogastric Tubes: Tools for Implementation of Standardized Best Practices

• Main Authors: Olivia Lounsbury, Jennifer Tatro, Beth Lyman, Donna Prosser, Haylie Coffey
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Patient Safety Authority 2020-09-01
• Series: Patient Safety
• Online Access: https://patientsafetyj.com/index.php/patientsaf/article/view/323

The consequences of misplaced nasogastric tubes extend far beyond the clinical setting and have implications for the hospital’s reputation and economic stability. A systematic approach for nasogastric tube insertion and verification is necessary in order to prevent misplaced nasogastric tubes which are, indeed, “never events.” The Actionable Patient Safety Solutions (APSS) from the Patient Safety Movement Foundation outline best practices for implementation of nasogastric tube placement protocols in hospitals to ensure consistency across the organization and preserve patient safety at the forefront of all clinical endeavors.