Open AccessFeeding Difficulties in Children: A Guide for Allied Health Professionals An Evaluation Report
Author(s) -
Carmel M Blayden,
Kate Holland,
Sonia Hughes,
Jennifer Nicol
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the internet journal of allied health sciences and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1540-580X
DOI - 10.46743/1540-580x/2021.1992
Subject(s) - focus group , health professionals , medical education , qualitative research , qualitative property , data collection , computer assisted web interviewing , medicine , health care , work (physics) , health promotion , psychology , realm , nursing , public health , engineering , mechanical engineering , social science , statistics , mathematics , marketing , machine learning , sociology , computer science , economics , law , political science , business , economic growth
Purpose: An evaluation of Feeding Difficulties in Children: A Guide for Allied Health Professionals (2016) was undertaken to determine how the publication has been utilised amongst allied health professionals across NSW. This evaluation aimed to identify the usefulness of the Guide in supporting the assessment and management of children with feeding difficulties. Results will inform future education and support strategies. Method: The evaluation targeted allied health professionals employed by NSW Health. An online questionnaire formed the primary method of data collection. Four semi-structured focus groups also occurred to provide complementary qualitative information. Results: Clinicians from a range of professions and healthcare settings responded to the online questionnaire (N=100) and participated in focus groups (N=15), reflecting the range of allied health professionals who work with children with feeding difficulties. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained identified a number of key themes. The data collected provided a robust overview of how the Guide has been utilised. The main findings relate to five key themes: characteristics of respondents and their teams; use of the Guide; knowledge of content; satisfaction with the Guide; and future directions. Conclusions: The evaluation indicated that the Guide is viewed as a useful tool by allied health professionals working with children with feeding difficulties. Experienced respondents reported that the Guide provided validation for current practice whereas those with less experience indicated it supported their work within this clinically complex realm. Further promotion of the Guide and multi-modal education regarding its use is recommended.