Support Program for Children Under 3 Years With Feeding Tubes and Tracheostomies Combining Virtual and In-Home Therapies to Increase Oral Feeding

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying children under 3 years old who have feeding tubes and tracheostomies to test a new intervention aimed at supporting their transition to oral feeding. This study evaluates whether a combined approach using in-home clinical assessments and virtual therapy can help these children increase oral feeding compared to a control group. The intervention involves a coordinated feeding team including occupational therapists, speechlanguage pathologists, dietitians, and a developmental behavioral pediatrician. Participants are divided into two groups an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group receives weekly virtual group mealtime sessions and individual virtual therapy sessions at least every two weeks tailored to their needs. The control group joins weekly virtual group mealtime sessions only. Both groups continue any existing therapies and are assessed regularly. The study includes an initial home enrollment visit, multiple virtual assessments, and a final exit home visit at 1 year. During the study, parents participate in video conferencing for consent and enrollment, complete surveys, and engage in virtual therapy sessions. The team conducts feeding assessments using standardized surveys and dietary histories at enrollment and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Researchers monitor changes in oral calorie intake, feeding frequency, and caregiver confidence. The study lasts one year per participant, with assessments and support provided throughout.

Let's E.A.T.! (Eating With Assistive Technology): An Intervention to Support Children With Feeding Tubes and Tracheostomies