2132V - Community Entry for Feeding with Tracheostomies Post Discharge From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Infants in the critical care units can have multiple medical co-morbidities that impact feeding, swallowing, and respiratory function. The purpose of this presentation is to review community re-entry considerations and roadblocks for infants and their caregivers when they are discharged home with tracheostomy dependence. Review of feeding challenges for the infants will be reviewed, including community support, feeding therapist knowledge, and medical provider perception on feeding when tracheostomy dependent. A social media survey of medical providers and caregivers (example- parents) will be examined to identify themes and trends with community re-entry for infants who are discharged home and expected to habilitate and rehabilitate feeding + swallowing.