Screening for Feeding Dysfunction in Children: Identifying More Than Malnutrition Risk

Day: December 3, 2020 - December 2, 2023
Time: Noon – 1:00 p.m. (Central time)

Research indicates that very few RDNs use a protocol to screen for feeding dysfunction among children, despite the immediate need for screening in this stage of rapid growth and development. This webinar will explore the use of and tools for RDN screening for feeding dysfunction in children, as well as in-depth analysis of a recent study conducted by the presenter, April Litchford, PhD, RDN, CD, on current screening practices. Dr. Litchford's research revealed common tools and measures used in RDN screening—with no one tool more effective than the next--while also recognizing that best use of tools depended upon practitioner and population needs. This event will share those applications as well as associated literature with the goal of increasing feeding screening and broadening the availability of these tools and information. The ultimate objective of Dr. Litchford’s research and presentation is to standardize protocols for screening to improve identification of the needs of children earlier and provide necessary therapy to decrease feeding dysfunction and malnutrition risk.

CPE Level: 1
CPU: 1.0

Performance Indicators:

• 8.3.6 Keeps abreast of current nutrition and dietetics knowledge and trends.
• 10.1.1 Identifies and selects valid and reliable screening tool(s) to obtain and verify relevant data in support of nutrition assessment.
• 10.1.2 Conducts the nutrition screening to identify patient risks and level of criticality and to direct services.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the prevalence of feeding problems in the pediatric population and the need to identify problems quickly.
2. Discuss general use of feeding/nutritional screening tools among RDNs.
3. List specific criteria needed in a screening tool to make it effective in the population they practice in.

Speaker

April Litchford Ph.D., RDN, CD

April Litchford is a registered dietitian who possesses a great love for food and nutrition science. She began her university education at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, but was unable to find a program that matched her love for nutrition. Many years later she discovered the perfect program at Utah State University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food. Science with a dietetic emphasis. After completing a dietetic internship, April decided to return to USU to complete two advanced degrees in the nutrition science program. April has enjoyed expanding her knowledge in many different areas during her degree programs. She recently finished the requirements for a Ph.D. in nutrition science in December of 2019 completing her dissertation titled, "Increasing Literacy of Existing Pediatric Feeding Disorders among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists".