Intervention to help children with feeding tubes and tracheostomies transition to oral feeding
Let's E.A.T.! (Eating With Assistive Technology): An Intervention to Support Children With Feeding Tubes and Tracheostomies
This study is testing a new program to help children under three with feeding tubes and tracheostomies learn to eat by mouth, using a mix of home visits and online support from a team of specialists.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 3 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06525818 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to support children under three years old with feeding tubes and tracheostomies in transitioning to oral feeding. It combines in-home clinical assessments with virtual therapies, utilizing a coordinated team of specialists including occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, and registered dietitians. The program also includes family liaison coordinators to assist families throughout the process, led by a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician. The goal is to determine if this hybrid approach can improve oral feeding success compared to a control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under three years of age who reside at home, have a gastrostomy feeding tube, and a tracheostomy.
Not a fit: Patients who are wards of the state may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life for children with feeding tubes and tracheostomies by facilitating their transition to oral feeding.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar interdisciplinary approaches, but this specific intervention is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Under 3 years of age * Reside at a family home * Have a gastrostomy feeding tube * Have a tracheostomy * Live within a 1-hour radius of the University of Chicago Exclusion Criteria: • Wards of the state
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah Sobotka, MD, MSCP — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Emma Lynch, MPH
- Email: elynch1@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 7737026461
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.