Using an intensive interdisciplinary telehealth model to treat pediatric feeding disorders.

Abstract

The necessity of treatment using telehealth was apparent during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as many practitioners were forced to use telehealth as a primary mode of service delivery. Although the telehealth model has been studied for different populations, little is known about its success when applied with children with feeding disorders and complex medical histories. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using a telehealth model from the onset of treatment. All 5 children who participated engaged in low levels of acceptance and high levels of inappropriate mealtime behavior during baseline. Caregivers were taught to implement the treatment with high integrity using behavioral skills training. Procedural integrity increased posttraining, and as a result acceptance increased and inappropriate mealtime behavior decreased. Treatment gains maintained during follow up at 1 month and 1 year. These data are discussed in relation to alternative ways of providing treatment in locations where intensive feeding programs are not available.