Caregiver experiences of oral feeding in infants on long-term high flow nasal cannula support

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Acute care – adult
Dysphagia
Feeding
Infant feeding
Monday, May 27, 2024
2:50 PM - 3:05 PM
Knowledge Hub

Overview

Jeanne Marshall


Presenter

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Dr Jeanne Marshall
Conjoint Clinical Research Fellow
Children's Health Queensland/ The University Of Queensland

Caregiver experiences of oral feeding in infants on long-term high flow nasal cannula support

2:50 PM - 3:05 PM

Presentation summary

The feeding journey of medically complex infants on long-term high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) support can be challenging for caregivers, especially given inconsistencies in clinical practice for oral feeding on HFNC. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of caregivers who have experienced this journey, in order to inform best practice care.

This study used a generic qualitative inquiry approach. Seven caregivers of infants who had been on long-term HFNC during 2021 participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the transcripts.

Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) experiences of the oral feeding journey, (2) experiences in the health system, and (3) influences on oral feeding outcomes. All caregivers reported oral feeding challenges that persisted beyond hospitalisation, resulting in ongoing psychosocial and emotional impacts. Caregivers also described their experiences with navigating the healthcare system, and identified facilitators and barriers that influenced their child’s oral feeding progression.

The oral feeding journey for families with infants on long-term HFNC support was characterised by multifaceted challenges and implications, including inconsistent practices for oral feeding on high flow. Further research is required to establish and provide consistent, family-centred, and evidence-based care for this population.

Key messages

1. Children on long-term high-flow nasal cannula support are at risk of chronic feeding difficulties, beyond their admission.

2. Many caregivers described frustration and confusion with regards to different practices for oral feeding on high flow oxygen across different facilities.

3. Caregivers of these children described ongoing stress and psychosocial impacts as a result of chronic feeding needs.

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Dr Jeanne Marshall is a speech pathologist with expertise in paediatric feeding and swallowing. She is currently employed in a conjoint role between Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and The University of Queensland. Jeanne’s primary research interest is paediatric feeding disorder, with a particular focus on preventative health in this area. Jeanne has various projects aligned with this concept, across the themes of better diagnostics, early intervention, and awareness and advocacy. Jeanne also has a passion for research translation and building research capacity in the health workforce, working alongside clinicians at Children's Health Queensland to improve care on the front line.

Student volunteer(s)

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Atika Brasha
Volunteer
Curtin University

The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.

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