Social work intervention and failure to thrive in infants and children

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R Marino1, M L Weinman, K Soudelier

  • 1Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, 6411 Fannin, Houston, TX, USA.

Health & Social Work
|May 31, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Social workers play a vital role in addressing failure to thrive (FTT) in children. This article highlights their crucial contributions to interdisciplinary treatment teams for comprehensive care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Social Work
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Failure to thrive (FTT) is a condition where infants and children do not grow or develop at the expected rate.
  • Limited research exists on the specific contributions of social workers in managing FTT cases.
  • Current healthcare emphasizes interdisciplinary team approaches for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To educate social workers on the complexities of FTT.
  • To define and emphasize the essential roles social workers fulfill within FTT treatment teams.
  • To illustrate how social work services enhance therapeutic and team-oriented approaches for children with FTT.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on FTT and social work interventions.
  • Analysis of the integration of social workers in interdisciplinary pediatric care.
  • Discussion of social work's unique skills in addressing psychosocial factors contributing to FTT.

Main Results:

  • Social workers are integral to comprehensive FTT management.
  • Their involvement addresses crucial psychosocial determinants of child growth and development.
  • Social work services provide essential therapeutic support and facilitate team collaboration.

Conclusions:

  • Social workers must actively participate in interdisciplinary teams to effectively manage FTT.
  • Their expertise is critical for holistic child treatment and improved developmental trajectories.
  • Integrating social work ensures a more comprehensive, therapeutic, and team-based approach to FTT.

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