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Comparison of two tools to assess dyad feeding interaction in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Author(s) -
Jameson Meredith,
Fehringer Karen,
Neu Madalynn
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/jspn.12203
Subject(s) - dyad , toddler , normative , medicine , gerd , massage , developmental psychology , intervention (counseling) , rating scale , clinical psychology , psychology , pediatrics , reflux , disease , nursing , alternative medicine , philosophy , epistemology , pathology
Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the Mother‐Infant/Toddler Feeding Scale (MITFS) and the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale (NCAFS). Specific questions were as follows: (1) Are there differences between the results of the MITFS and the NCAFS tools in terms of rating infant feeding interactions? And (2) does one tool provide a more detailed, nuanced overview of the quality of feeding interactions than the other? Design and methods This comparative descriptive study is a secondary analysis of a study evaluating a massage intervention for infants with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A feeding observation for each dyad was scored using both the NCAFS and MITFS. Infants were 6–18 weeks of age. Results There were moderate correlations ( r = 0.3–0.8) between 11 of 20 possible NCAFS and MITFS mother‐related subscales, and between 3 of 10 possible NCAFS and the MITFS infant‐related subscales. A total of 19 dyads (83%) had one or more NCAFS subscale scores that were at least 1 standard deviation (SD) below normative scores, and 21 dyads (91%) had one or more MITFS subscale T‐scores that deviated 1 SD from the normative T‐scores. Agreement between the two instruments on scores deviating from the norm was 78%. Practice implications Both instruments discussed in this paper are standardized ways of assessing an infant feeding. Use of a standardized feeding tool is an objective way to evaluate feedings and can potentially identify specific areas of concern to guide an individualized intervention for a mother–infant dyad. Thus, nurses and other health professionals working with mothers and babies, whether in the hospital, pediatrician offices, or clinics would benefit from learning how to use a standardized feeding tool. Use of a feeding tool also provides the opportunity for nurses to understand the basis of important qualities of a feeding interaction, and a way for nurses who regularly feed infants to self‐evaluate their feeding methods. This may minimize less than optimal interactions and allow for optimal support for infants during feedings by mothers and nurses.