Multidisciplinary aerodigestive program at a children's hospital: A protocol for a prospective observational study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Children with complex chronic diseases often need care from multiple pediatric subspecialists.
• The aerodigestive program offers multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment for multi-systemic issues affecting airway, breathing, feeding, swallowing, or growth.
• This study presents the protocol for a children's hospital aerodigestive program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the protocol of a pediatric aerodigestive program.
• To evaluate and compare objective and subjective patient improvements before and after the AeroDigestive Team (ADT) program.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study enrolling children aged 1 month to 18 years with complex airway, breathing, feeding, swallowing, or growth problems.
• Multi-specialist evaluation, monthly team meetings, therapeutic interventions, and 6-month follow-up.
• Outcome assessment included objective measures (medical/surgical interventions, condition changes) and subjective measures (caregiver interviews, questionnaires).

Main Results:

• The aerodigestive program protocol is detailed.
• The study design allows for evaluation of patient improvement through objective and subjective measures.
• Comprehensive, multidisciplinary management is anticipated for complex pediatric airway and digestive disorders.

Conclusions:

• The aerodigestive program is designed to offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary management.
• This protocol facilitates structured evaluation and treatment for pediatric patients with complex aerodigestive issues.
• The program aims to improve outcomes for children with chronic multisystemic diseases affecting airway and digestive functions.