Multi-Disciplinary Feeding Therapy Outcomes

Abstract

By Delaney Jacob, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Sarah Weller, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Advisor: Claire Miller

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to assess changes in parent confidence level for carrying out treatment strategies to address their child's feeding issues following multidisciplinary feeding treatment. Given that effective parental use of strategies in the home environment facilitates the carryover of newly acquired skills and behaviors following treatment, level of parent confidence is a key factor for success. A retrospective review of twenty-three feeding treatment patient records was completed. Patient demographics, pertinent diagnoses, and pre- and post- treatment confidence level ratings were recorded in an excel spreadsheet for analysis. Preliminary results show positive changes in parent confidence level after participating with their child in a multidisciplinary feeding treatment episode. Studies with large sample sizes are needed to further explore the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary approaches in feeding treatment on parent confidence levels, and to further delineate the types and frequency of feeding issues that are predominant in this cohort of children.