Introducing the PFD Alliance

Published by Feeding Matters on Dec 17, 2018

The world of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is changing. With the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition accepting “Pediatric Feeding Disorder: Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework” for publication, PFD has transitioned from being regarded as a symptom to now having its own identity and diagnosis. As information and resources regarding PFD become more available, so does the need for a supportive network, proper education, and a space to foster collaborative communication surrounding all aspects of PFD. As a response to these changing needs and feedback from the pediatric feeding community, Feeding Matters introduces the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Alliance (PFD Alliance).

Igniting unprecedented systemic change through shared-collective decisions, insights, and ideas, the PFD Alliance unites the field’s leading advocates, medical experts, allied healthcare professionals, families, and more. Feeding Matters’ Pediatric Feeding Disorder Alliance provides an opportunity for broad participation in education, research, and advocacy to advance the system of care for PFD.

Goals of Feeding Matters’ PFD Alliance

The goal of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Alliance is to further advances in pediatric feeding disorder by accelerating identification, igniting research, and promoting collaborative care. This is accomplished in many ways, including:

  • Working toward solutions on issues identified as priorities within the field
  • Looking for areas of collaboration with public health partners outside of Feeding Matters
  • Identifying emerging public health projects and sharing work openly across partners
  • Determining a common language for all PFD professionals to adopt and use
  • Sharing data to enhance treatment
  • Advocating on behalf of pediatric feeding disorders and Feeding Matters
  • Funding Research to advance the PFD field

Feeding Matters’ PFD Alliance Philosophy

The PFD Alliance philosophy emphasizes the importance of multiple perspectives for collaboration and even distribution of resources and information. This includes the understanding that:

  • Families/caregivers are an equal and valued member of the treatment team and should be respected in this way.
  • The domains represented in the evaluation of PFD must include medical, nutrition, psychosocial, and feeding skill.
  • There are no identified longitudinal, evidence-based best practices for intervention. This is due to the lack of longitudinal information available in the current research, and the heterogeneous nature of the population of children with pediatric feeding disorder. As a result, we believe it is critical that

o A family’s definition of success be incorporated into treatment planning

o Treatment philosophies may not be equally appropriate for all children

o That families should be well informed about all services that exist

Join us today and become a PFD Alliance Member

Feeding Matters’ PFD Alliance membership is free and open to anyone with a passion for pediatric feeding disorder. Calls to serve for leadership opportunities and specific committees are issued once per year or as identified by the Executive Council. Member enrollment for Education, Advocacy, and Research Pillars remains open year round.

Are you interested in learning more or joining?

Please fill out the information to join PFD Alliance and start receiving communication today.