Reporting treatment processes and outcomes for paediatric feeding disorders: A current view of the literature

Abstract

ABSTRACT Empirically supported treatment for paediatric feeding disorders is behaviour-analytic, often taking place in controlled hospital settings. We evaluated reporting of treatment processes and outcomes within behaviour-analytic studies to consider recommendations for practitioners, as well as future research. Strengths of the literature were reporting of directly observed behavioural outcome data demonstrating the effectiveness of empirically supported treatment. However, there was variability in reporting aspects of the overall treatment process. With respect to multidisciplinary involvement, gaps in reporting included the frequency of involvement in assessment and treatment, as well as the roles of each discipline involved. Further, there were gaps in reporting of treatment goal progression, such as food variety, volume, texture and independence, as well as nutritional outcomes (oral intake, growth). Our findings support recommendations to improve reporting in the literature, to increase standardisation of processes and improved dissemination to the wider research community. Further, improved research reporting will increase practitioner knowledge of empirically supported treatment for paediatric feeding disorders. To this end, we provide recommendations and resources regarding multidisciplinary involvement and systematic monitoring of treatment goal progression.