Intensive Multidisciplinary Feeding Day Programs in the United States: A Report Regarding the Treatment Landscape

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Complex pediatric feeding problems require intensive, multidisciplinary intervention.
• The specific models and capacity of these intensive programs are not well-documented.
• Understanding these programs is crucial for establishing best practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify intensive multidisciplinary day hospital programs for children with complex feeding problems in the US.
• To describe the treatment approaches utilized by these programs.
• To summarize the current capacity and accessibility of these specialized services.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, prospective study design.
• Systematic identification of intensive multidisciplinary day hospital programs across the United States.
• Data collection on program structure, therapeutic interventions, and patient capacity.

Main Results:

• Identification of active intensive multidisciplinary day hospital programs.
• Detailed descriptions of the various treatment modalities employed.
• Summary of the current operational capacity and potential for expansion.

Conclusions:

• Intensive multidisciplinary day hospital programs represent a key component in managing pediatric complex feeding disorders.
• Further research is needed to optimize these models and address service gaps.
• Standardization and increased capacity of these programs could improve outcomes for affected children.