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Published on: January 17, 2011
Experiences and perceptions of multidisciplinary paediatric teams of blended tube feeding in children
Orlaith Clancy1, Siobhan McCormack2, Meave Graham3
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Blended tube feeding (BTF) awareness is moderate among Irish pediatric staff, with many willing to recommend it. However, knowledge gaps and logistical barriers exist, highlighting the need for professional training on BTF.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Healthcare Professional Education
Background:
- Blended tube feeding (BTF) involves administering pureed whole foods via gastric feeding tubes.
- Emerging evidence suggests potential clinical and psychosocial benefits of BTF over commercial formulas.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives on BTF is crucial for its appropriate implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess awareness and knowledge of BTF among multidisciplinary pediatric staff in Ireland.
- To investigate healthcare professionals' willingness to recommend BTF and their confidence in managing it.
- To identify reasons for recommending BTF and barriers to its use.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study utilizing an anonymous online survey.
- Survey targeted multidisciplinary pediatric staff at Children's Health Ireland (CHI).
- Data collected on awareness, recommendation willingness, knowledge confidence, and management competence regarding BTF.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds (66%) of respondents were aware of BTF; 68.1% had cared for a child on BTF.
- 70% were willing to recommend BTF, citing parental preference and formula intolerance.
- Significant portions lacked confidence (61.9%) or competence (21.4%) in managing BTF; family logistics were a key barrier.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric healthcare professionals show moderate awareness and willingness to recommend BTF.
- Gaps in knowledge and competence regarding BTF management necessitate targeted education.
- Evidence-based training is essential for optimizing BTF's use and ensuring patient safety.
Abstract:
Background: Blended tube feeding (BTF) is the administration of pureed whole foods via gastric feeding tubes. There is some evidence to suggest that BTF may have clinical and psychosocial benefits when compared to commercial formula, but further investigation of how BTF is understood and recommended by health professionals is needed. This study aims to investigate awareness and knowledge of BTF among multi-disciplinary paediatric staff in Ireland. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among paediatric staff in Children's Health Ireland (CHI). The 16-item anonymous online survey gathered information on awareness of BTF, willingness to recommend BTF, confidence in BTF knowledge, and self-assessed competence in managing BTF. Results: Of the 207 responses, doctors (n68), nurses (n66), and dietitians (n32) provided 80.3% of responses. Two-thirds (n136, 66%) of the total group were aware of BTF. Of these, 68.1% had cared for a child on BTF and 70% (n = 63/90) were willing to recommend BTF. Three in five (n = 39/63, 61.9%) stated they were somewhat confident in their BTF knowledge and one in five (n = 12/56, 21.4%) were not yet competent in managing children on BTF. The most common reasons for recommending BTF were parental desire (n17, 39.5%) and commercial formula intolerance (n15, 34.9%). The most common barrier to recommending BTF was family logistics (n18, 41.9%). The most valuable sources of information on BTF for two-thirds (68.3%) of participants were other healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients/caregivers. Conclusion: Healthcare settings should provide evidence-based training to HCPs on BTF to optimise the treatment and safety of children under their care.
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