Mentor/s
Avinash Mishra
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
This literature review explores the crucial role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in promoting feeding efficiency among high-risk infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With ongoing advancements in medical care leading to higher survival rates among preterm and medically fragile infants, there has been a corresponding increase in the identification of feeding and swallowing disorders. Over half a million children in the U.S. are diagnosed with dysphagia annually, highlighting the necessity for early intervention by SLPs, particularly in the NICU, where nearly 40% of affected children have a history of preterm birth. SLPs are essential in conducting thorough assessments and implementing strategies to enhance feeding efficiency. These strategies include nonnutritive sucking practices aimed at stimulating feeding reflexes, careful clinical evaluations, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive care. Techniques such as Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are also employed to accurately diagnose and manage dysphagia amongst infants. Furthermore, collaboration within interdisciplinary teams is vital, considering factors such as medical stability, nutrition, and behavioral aspects that impact swallowing safety. The paper emphasizes the need for SLPs to work closely with other specialists to facilitate optimal feeding outcomes while minimizing risks associated with oral feeding, ultimately promoting better health and development for vulnerable infants. Overall, this study underscores the vital contributions of SLPs in NICU settings, advocating for multifaceted approaches and early intervention to enhance feeding and swallowing capabilities in high-risk populations.
College and Major available
Communication Disorders
Academic Level
Undergraduate student
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
Start Day/Time
4-25-2025 12:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-25-2025 2:00 AM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Most Creative, Best Writing
The Role of the SLP in Promoting Feeding Efficiency in the NICU
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
This literature review explores the crucial role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in promoting feeding efficiency among high-risk infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With ongoing advancements in medical care leading to higher survival rates among preterm and medically fragile infants, there has been a corresponding increase in the identification of feeding and swallowing disorders. Over half a million children in the U.S. are diagnosed with dysphagia annually, highlighting the necessity for early intervention by SLPs, particularly in the NICU, where nearly 40% of affected children have a history of preterm birth. SLPs are essential in conducting thorough assessments and implementing strategies to enhance feeding efficiency. These strategies include nonnutritive sucking practices aimed at stimulating feeding reflexes, careful clinical evaluations, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive care. Techniques such as Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are also employed to accurately diagnose and manage dysphagia amongst infants. Furthermore, collaboration within interdisciplinary teams is vital, considering factors such as medical stability, nutrition, and behavioral aspects that impact swallowing safety. The paper emphasizes the need for SLPs to work closely with other specialists to facilitate optimal feeding outcomes while minimizing risks associated with oral feeding, ultimately promoting better health and development for vulnerable infants. Overall, this study underscores the vital contributions of SLPs in NICU settings, advocating for multifaceted approaches and early intervention to enhance feeding and swallowing capabilities in high-risk populations.
Students' Information
Isabella Kefala ,Honors Student ,Communication Disorders, graduation 2025