Improving needed food intake of profoundly handicapped children through effective supervision of institutional staff.

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluated a program to increase the prescribed food intake of two profoundly mentally retarded children by improving institutional staff performance. Both children were dependent on staff for food intake because of multiple physical disabilities which prohibited self-feeding. The supervision program, consisting of a brief inservice followed by a series of supervisory prompts, supervisory feedback, and staff self-recording was implemented with 11 staff. Using a multiple baseline design, the program appeared effective in increasing the intake of targeted food categories for both children at supper and lunch. Each time the supervision program was implemented across food categories and children, intake increased for meals fed by an average of over 85% of the participating staff members. Although the amount of time necessary to feed the children increased somewhat, a staff acceptability survey indicated that, overall, staff viewed the various procedures of the supervisory program as very helpful and well-liked. However, some acceptability differences were noted across the procedures. Results were discussed in light of the need for effective yet practical staff management procedures, as well as procedures that are well received by staff members. Considerations for future research on the eating difficulties of the multihandicapped mentally retarded were also provided.