Methodological Components for Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness of SOS Feeding Approach: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Feeding Therapy
• Occupational Therapy Interventions
• Developmental Disorders Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on the effectiveness of the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding.
• Feasibility studies are crucial for designing robust treatment effectiveness research.
• Understanding the SOS Approach's impact requires validated measures and reliable data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate components for an SOS Approach effectiveness study.
• To develop a fidelity measure for the SOS Approach.
• To assess the feasibility of video coding and create an observational coding scheme.

Main Methods:

• Collected data from 12 children (4-8 years) with developmental disorders over 4 years.
• Developed and validated a fidelity measure with established inter-rater reliability.
• Created a behavioral coding system aligned with the SOS Steps to Eating hierarchy.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated preliminary inter-rater reliability for the developed coding system.
• Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI) showed sensitivity to change.
• Identified sensitive outcome measures for tracking parent and child progress in feeding therapy.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrated fidelity to the SOS Approach and identified sensitive outcome measures.
• Behavioral coding and parent-reported measures offer objective feeding outcome data.
• Developed tools and procedures support evidence-based practice in pediatric feeding interventions.