About the Team
The strong reputation of the Feeding Team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center rests largely on the combined efforts of experts from many disciplines.
At your child's first appointment and evaluation, you will meet the entire team, which consists of:
Feeding Team Physicians
Physicians from three different disciplines share responsibilities of the Feeding Team:
- Otolaryngology (ENT)
- Gastroenterology
- Human Genetics
This allows for seamless delivery of care to every child, while also having all three specialties on-hand if your child requires a consult with each.
At your child's clinic visit, the physician screens for medical causes of your child's feeding disorder and performs tests including endoscopy and manometry.
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Nurse Coordinators and Nurse Practitioners
Each child is assigned a primary nurse coordinator who reviews your child's history and orients the team prior to your child's evaluation. The primary nurse helps coordinate your visit with the team and with other hospital services. In addition, the nurse provides recommendations and training in skilled nursing care to you and your family and helps serve as your child's advocate.
The nurse practitioner performs a comprehensive assessment of your child, including a physical exam. In addition, the nurse practitioner researches evidence-based data related to your child's treatment and diagnosis and helps address feeding and nutrition issues that require the use of outside resources.
Following your child's assessment and evaluation, the primary nurse coordinator and nurse practitioner assist the team to develop a thorough, developmentally appropriate care plan for your child.
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Registered Dietitians
A registered dietitian reviews your child's nutritional status, growth and the current appropriateness and adequacy of feedings.
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Occupational Therapists
An occupational therapist evaluates your child's positioning and postural control during feeding, as well as oral-sensory, oral-motor and self-feeding abilities.
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Pediatric Psychologists
A pediatric psychologist explores your child's developmental history, focusing on the behavioral feeding environment and social and emotional factors that may contribute to feeding disorders.
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Speech Pathologists
A speech pathologist evaluates your child's overall oral-motor skills, specifically those related to feeding. If necessary, the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing are assessed via a radiographic evaluation.
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