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Published on: January 17, 2011
A descriptive comparison of approaches to paediatric tube weaning across five countries
Alison Y Gardiner1, Peter J Vuillermin2,3,4,5, David G Fuller2,3
1a Occupational Therapy Department , Barwon Health , Geelong , Australia.
Insights
Tube weaning programs worldwide commonly use multi-model approaches, integrating sensory-motor and psychological interventions. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these pediatric feeding tube weaning strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Feeding Therapy
- Child Health Services
Background:
- Increased survival rates of high-risk infants often necessitate temporary feeding tubes.
- A growing number of children require tube weaning interventions.
- Paediatric feeding programs are essential for managing complex feeding needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe service delivery models in paediatric feeding/tube weaning programs.
- To outline treatment approaches used in various tube weaning settings.
- To understand current practices in pediatric tube weaning.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire on tube weaning was developed from a literature review.
- Purposive maximum variation sampling included diverse feeding/weaning programs.
- Eight international feeding teams participated and completed the questionnaire.
Main Results:
- All participating teams utilized sensori-motor interventions.
- Most teams incorporated psychological interventions.
- Hunger induction was used by six teams, often preceding eating skill development.
Conclusions:
- A multi-model tube weaning approach is prevalent globally.
- Psychological theory underpins many tube weaning practices.
- Further investigation into intervention efficacy is recommended for evidence-based practice.
Purpose:
Many children are requiring tube weaning intervention as a result of increased survival rates of high risk infants and the temporary use of feeding tubes. This study aimed to describe service delivery models and treatment approaches in a variety of paediatric feeding/tube weaning programs.
Method:
A questionnaire on tube weaning was formulated based on a literature review. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used to include feeding/ weaning programs operating in a variety of settings and countries. Eight feeding teams in Australia, Europe and the USA agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire.
Result:
All teams employed sensori-motor interventions, with the majority also offering psychological interventions. Six of eight teams utilised hunger induction during the initiation of tube weaning, and in many cases this preceded eating skill development or controlled sensory modulation.
Conclusion:
A multi-model tube weaning approach is commonly adopted by many centres worldwide. In many cases, psychological theory and theoretical orientation is fundamental to tube weaning practice. Further investigation regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of weaning interventions is recommended to ensure clinical practice is based on sound evidence. This may present as a challenge given many interventions occur concomitantly and the psychotherapeutic experience is difficult to evaluate.
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