Efforts targeted malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy in care homes and hospitals: A qualitative exploration study

INTRODUCTION: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk of becoming malnourished. Malnutrition risk increases with increased gross motor function classification. The present study aimed to investigate and explore existing nutritional efforts and practice among staff in Danish hospitals and care homes working with children with CP.

METHODS: Ten qualitative interviews were generated with multidisciplinary staff working in hospital wards, care homes and Neuro Pediatric Team (NPT). Analysis was inspired by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

RESULTS: The analysis generated the following six themes: Weighing and anthropometric measurements; Existing nutritional evaluation and intervention in practice; Cross-sectoral communication and interdisciplinarity; Involvement of the children's parents; Knowledge and professional intuition; and Time and priority. Weighing is the most common nutritional evaluation, supplemented by weight/height curves in the NPT. No actual screening is performed. In care homes without healthcare staff, the nutritional focus primarily regards the meal and how the children are able to eat. In care homes with health staff, as well as hospital departments, the focus is primarily on weight. Written communication is a necessity for the nutritional collaboration around the child to work, but collaboration between IT-systems are lacking. Interdisciplinarity and parental involvement are key components for managing nutrition issues among children with CP. The specialist dietitian was much required, but difficult to reach.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the great focus on nutrition and nutritional status among children with CP in all of the inquired contexts, existing efforts for assessment reveal primarily on weight and intuition. No actual screening is performed. Collaboration between sectors and professionals is challenged by lacking IT-systems and systematic procedures.