Best Practices in Sensory-based Food Play Therapy: An Investigation to Establish a Standardized Intervention for Improving Food Acceptance Among Preschool-aged Children (P16-042-19). (13th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hinsley, Jill; Phelps, Joshua; Maddox, Tina; Swindle, Taren; Ward, Wendy
• Is Part Of: Current developments in nutrition. Volume 3(2019)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2019-06-13
• Subjects: Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutrition; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 612.3
• DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzz050.P16-042-19
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2475-2991

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: (1) explore key components identified as hallmarks of group food-play therapy sessions at an early intervention center (EIC); and (2) establish best practices associated with food-play therapy contributing to development of an evidence-based, standardized practice at this EIC as a model for replication across the EIC network. Methods: This qualitative study occurred at an EIC in a rural town in the southeastern United States treating preschool-age children with feeding difficulties. Initial participants were EIC staff and health care professionals identified by the agency as food-play therapy stakeholders; snowball sampling resulted in identification of additional key informants. Interviewees ( n = 13) participated in semi-structured interviews. A theoretical thematic analysis process primarily focusing on a semantic level of thematic development was used to analyze interview transcripts. Results: The following themes were identified from analysis of interview transcripts about the group food-play therapy intervention and process: Primary Goal, Importance/Purpose, Participant Identification Criteria, Methods, Key Concepts, Barriers/Challenges/Limitations, Interprofessional Team, Interprofessional Roles, and Interprofessional Communication. Guided by best practices identified through literature review, themes contributed to providing direction for development of a logic model conceptualizing a group food-play therapy intervention based on best practices and recommended changes for service provision at the EIC. Conclusions: Evidence suggests interventions for children with feeding difficulties should include a multi-component approach with behavioral therapy strategies. While there is evidence to suggest an interdisciplinary team approach is effective for treating feeding difficulties, team members at this EIC will need to make decisions further clarifying team structure, team roles, and team process. Team members will need to make decisions to further standardize the group food-play therapy process. Outputs of this project, specifically the logic model, may be used to guide the standardization process of the group food-play intervention at this EIC as a model for others. Funding Sources: None.