Feeding Tube Use and Employment

This study is concerned with the possible barriers to employment for a person who is using a feeding tube for nourishment. This narrative review will illuminate the information concerning the use of a feeding tube and returning to work after medical treatment for head and neck cancer. According to White and McBurney (2013), a narrative review involves a person telling a story first hand. The reader will hear directly from the participant in the narrative. Green et al. (2006) noted that narrative reviews written with a specific opinion can be considered commentaries, and the bias of the writer is apparent. During January 2024 to January 2025, this writer explored various databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Alt health watch, Health Source-Nursing Academic Edition, Health finder, PubMed) and yet found a paucity of information concerning people using feeding tubes and employment. Particular interest was placed on information concerning those recovering from head and neck cancer treatments, using a feeding tube, and returning to work. It seems possible that the lack of information is because returning to work has not yet been well defined. It also seems that the lack of information about people returning to work after cancer treatment is because most people are considered “fully recovered” with the feeding tube being removed before returning to work.