Prenatal Drug Exposure: Interprofessional Approaches to Improving Pediatric Feeding Outcomes

This interprofessional session will include evidence-based strategies to address problematic feeding behaviors in children prenatally exposed to drugs. Opioid misuse has translated into adverse outcomes, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), experienced by infants in the days following birth. Over the past decade, the number of NOWS cases has grown in east Tennessee, with rates 10 times greater than the national average. While the long-term effects are unclear, emerging evidence includes increased incidence of feeding difficulties in infants, which negatively impacts growth and development. In 2019, East Tennessee State University Health Pediatrics established an interprofessional developmental clinic which serves as a medical home for children (birth through 5 years) affected by prenatal substance use. This team collaborates to provide patient-centered medical care, developmental screening, referrals, and support to caregivers. Presenters identify the unique needs of this population, describe collaborative approaches to address feeding issues, and demonstrate how interprofessional team-based care provides optimal outcomes for children.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)

Performance Indicators

• 2.3.5 Collaborates with others when knowledge, skill or experience are beyond their competence level.
• 8.2.4 Integrates new knowledge of disease states and clinical conditions into practice.
• 6.2.3 Analyzes and interprets data to form valid conclusions and to make recommendations.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the incidence of problematic feeding behaviors and related concerns in drug-exposed infants and young children
• Model evidence-based feeding techniques and approaches with infants and young children
• Differentiate between resistant feeding behaviors and typical feeding preferences to implement appropriate training and interventions

Moderator

• Caroline Steele, MS, RD, IBCLC, FAND

Speakers

• Teresa Boggs, PhD, CCC-SLP
• Christy Isbell, PhD, OTR/L
• Michelle E. Johnson, PhD, RDN, LDN