Communication and feeding in preterm children : parental and health professionals’ perspectives

Abstract

Several studies have explored preterm children in relation to feeding/communication difficulties and the role of professionals and parents. However, mixed results have emerged regarding the correlation between gestational age and feeding/communication difficulties, along with a lack of local research in this area. From this emerged the purpose of this study: to assess on a local level whether the aforementioned correlation may be identified. Furthermore, this study also aimed to explore the roles of healthcare professionals relating to feeding/communication development within the NPICU and the experience and emotional impact left on parents of preterm children. A mixed methodology was implemented, with quantitative data gathered from online questionnaires and qualitative data from a focus group and interviews. The questionnaire was shared on social media with parents of preterm children. The focus group involved healthcare professionals working with preterm children within the NPICU, including three speech-language pathologists, a nurse and paediatrician, and five interviews conducted with parents of preterm children. The results identified an association between gestational age and the presence of feeding or communication difficulties. However, they did not find a statistically significant association between gestational age and difficulties in isolation. All healthcare professionals identified the preterm population's risk for feeding/communication difficulties and highlighted contributing factors. The role of interdisciplinary teams was emphasised – with particular stress on the need for a specialised team. All interviewed parents reported their experience leaving a negative emotional impact, along with a need for further professional support, even after discharge. The results encourage further research regarding this correlation on a larger scale, along with implications on how feeding/communication may be addressed further with preterm children, how the NPICU team can be improved, and how parents may be better supported throughout their experience.