Feeding troubles don't come alone: A systematic review on the impact of paediatric feeding disorder on parental mental health

Tracks
Concurrent session T5
Acute care – paediatric
Mental health
Paediatric/Infant
Research
Swallowing
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM
River View Room 05

Overview

Sharon Smart and Elizabeth Hill


Details

⏫ Research insights
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)


Presenter

Agenda Item Image
Dr Sharon Smart
Lecturer, School Of Allied Health
Curtin University

Feeding troubles don't come alone: A systematic review on the impact of paediatric feeding disorder on parental mental health

2:10 PM - 2:25 PM

Presentation summary

In this presentation we will discuss how paediatric feeding disorders (PFD) are a global issue affecting a significant percentage of children with developmental and neurodevelopmental delays. PFD is characterised by feeding and swallowing difficulties that are not age-appropriate, and are associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction. PFD can lead to negative impacts on growth, development, and the mental health and well-being of both children and their caregivers. However, there has been no systematic exploration of the literature to determine the extent and nature of the relationship between PFD and mental wellbeing.

To address this gap, a systematic review was conducted to understand the impact of PFD on parental/caregiver mental health. A search of four relevant databases was conducted for studies published in English that investigated the mental health of infants (aged 0-3) with PFD and/or the mental health of parents/caregivers of young children with PFD. The review identified 232 articles initially and included 12 in the analysis.

The synthesis of the included papers revealed that PFD can have a negative impact on parental mental health, increasing negative emotions such as stress and anxiety. However, there were inconsistent definitions of PFD and mental health, and a limited focus on paternal wellbeing.

These findings emphasise the importance of speech pathologists adopting a holistic approach to person-centred care when working with families with PFD and will inform methods to support the mental health of parents/caregivers with PFD. Future research is needed to better understand the complex relationship and improve quality of life for families.

Key messages

At the conclusion of the presentation, attendees will take away:

1. Understanding of PFD the potential impact on parental mental health.
2. How to navigate the holistic management and complexities of PFD and parental mental health.
3. Be familiar with tools to assess and pathways for referral for parental mental health.

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Sharon Smart is a Lecturer in the Curtin School of Allied Health. She has an extensive clinical background to underscores her role as an educator and researcher. In her academic role, Sharon has been involved in coordinating and instructing undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to paediatric feeding, swallowing, speech and language disorders. Her expertise extends into the realm of clinical research, with a particular focus on infant feeding, swallowing disorders in children, tongue-tie, and paediatric speech and language development. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sharon continues to actively practice as a practicing speech pathologist, with children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Her aim is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research to transform clinical challenges into research initiatives. She is committed to teaching evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies to the next generation of aspiring speech pathologists, ensuring the continuity of excellence within her field.
Agenda Item Image
Dr Elizabeth Hill
Lecturer
Curtin University

Feeding troubles don't come alone: A systematic review on the impact of paediatric feeding disorder on parental mental health

2:10 PM - 2:25 PM

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Dr Lizz Hill is a speech pathologist and teaching research academic at Curtin University. She has a keen research interest in the intersection of language and mental health – in particular their related impairment in ADHD and other mental health disorders. She has a passion for theory- and community-driven research, co-design methodology.

Session chair

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Lisa Moshovis
Clinical Lead - Mealtimes Senior Speech Pathologist
Ability WA


Student volunteer(s)

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Alice Emmerton
Curtin University

Michelle Spillman
Edith Cowan University

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

Disclaimer: © (2024) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ("the Association"). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this presentation. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this presentation including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this presentation.

 

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