To Blend or not to Blend. Blended Diet Via Enteral Feeding Devices Within The Paediatric Population.

Abstract

This article applies to all children and young people, 4-19yrs, who have blended food administered via a gastrostomy button. The author recognises the use of sterile, ready to hang feeds is still to be considered the gold standard however, healthcare is evolving and requires different and innovative approaches (Thomas 2017). A rights-based approach in the assessment of need, treating a child equally irrespective of health needs and supporting a child’s right to access education lead to the drive in the need for such research (Thomas 2017). This article was developed in response to parental request and due to a generalised increase in interest in feeding children with a blended diet. It will also support and guide healthcare professionals on safe administration, storage and to provide knowledge to allow them to observe for complications and have a point of reference should they require it.