Psychosocial aspects of feeding children with neurodisability

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Dec:67 Suppl 2:S17-20. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.226.

Abstract

The psychosocial support needs of parents considering a gastrostomy feeding tube for their disabled child are often overlooked, yet there is a growing body of evidence that attests to the decisional conflicts parents, often mothers, experience. This may be in addition to the stress associated with feeding a disabled child. The support needs of families and caregivers should be assessed, including the values parents attach to oral and tube feeding. Structured support should be embedded within the care pathway and both professionals, and service users, with appropriate training should be identified to ensure parental information needs, and any emotional, practical and financial issues are addressed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Palsy / psychology*
  • Cerebral Palsy / therapy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Decision Making
  • Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Deglutition Disorders / psychology
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Enteral Nutrition / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Parents / psychology*