Despite the evidence for timely, multidisciplinary care for children with Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD), caregivers have reported access to services is impacted by long wait times, a lack of experienced clinicians, and limited flexibility in service models. Difficulties with transfer of care between settings and poor communication between services have also been identified as issues. This study aimed to explore and describe the range of feeding pathways and services for children with feeding needs in southeast Queensland and identify any gaps in care, from the perspective of professionals involved in service design and provision.

A piloted web-based survey was distributed to health professionals involved in providing services to children with feeding needs, staff who triaged/managed referrals, and/or service team leaders in southeast Queensland.

There were 79 responses to the survey, with 61 of these included in the analysis. Respondents identified several strengths in PFD service provision, particularly in the quality of care available for children who met service eligibility requirements. However, respondents also described services as disjointed, with limited coordinated multidisciplinary services available. Service access was considered challenging, with respondents describing long waitlists and scant communication between services. Gaps were reported in the care available for children with ‘mild’ feeding difficulties and/or children who were not considered medically complex. Respondents also identified gaps in services secondary to a limited number of confident and trained professionals offering PFD care, particularly in the private sector.

This study described current strengths and gaps in service provision for children with PFD in southeast Queensland. Overall, the availability of multidisciplinary services appeared to be limited by eligibility criteria, service design, and staff capacity, suggesting that many children with PFD are not receiving equitable care in this geographical area. Further research into ideal service design is required to support preventative care in this area.

1. Gaps in equitable care were observed for children with Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) in southeast Queensland, particularly where children had ‘mild’ feeding problems or were not considered to be medically complex.

2. The availability of PFD services appeared to be limited by a number of factors, including eligibility criteria, service design, and staff capacity.

3. Designing sustainable future services will require better planning, coordination of care across services, and improved clinician training.