Terms used to describe pediatric videofluoroscopic feeding studies: a Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders is high in the special needs population. Videofluoroscopic feeding studies (VFFS) are used to assess feeding, but the accurate interpretation of VFFS depends on consistent use of terminology for describing a physiological swallow. No consensus exists regarding the terminology used for reporting VFFS findings. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to achieve consensus among pediatric therapists on definitions for terminology used to describe the results of VFFS. METHODS: Using a Delphi process, therapists from British Columbia rated definitions most appropriate for each term. They also were asked to add definitions that they thought would more accurately describe the terms. FINDINGS. Consensus was achieved on at least one definition for each of the terms used to describe the results of VFFS. IMPLICATIONS: Accurate interpretation of swallowing issues may improve the care of infants and children with feeding and swallowing difficulties.

Paediatric occupational therapy: addressing parental stress with the sense of coherence.

BACKGROUND: Families of children who have disabilities experience multiple stressors. "Sense of coherence" (SOC) reflects a person's view of life and his or her capacity to respond to stressful situations. PURPOSE: The purposes of this paper are to (I) introduce the concept of SOC; (2) review the literature on the stresses experienced by parents of children with disabilities; and (3) discuss how SOC can be used to evaluate systematically and to address effectively parents' resiliency against stressors. KEY ISSUES: The literature shows a strong correlation between parental stress, avoidantcoping, depression, and low SOC. Preliminary evidence suggests that an early intervention program can help increase parents' SOC. IMPLICATIONS: Occupational therapists can use the SOC as a framework from which to identify the strength of a parents' SOC, and, when deemed to be low, help create a process for enhancing resilience.