READY TO EAT
The Ready to Eat programme is a research study run with the University of Auckland. It involves a funded intervention for tamariki/children aged between 1 to 14 years with tube dependency, to support progression to eating and drinking (and, tube weaning).
The intervention is run in homes across Tamaki Makaurau for tamariki in the Waitematā and Counties Manukau area. Initially there is a 2-week intensive period with multiple meals per day, followed by ongoing family/whānau support for up to six months
Access to this study is by referral from your Health Professional - you are welcome to share this website with your professional/s or contact Sarah Leadley for more information.
A parent’s experience of the Ready to Eat study (click to access video)
INCREASING ACCESS TO INTERVENTION
A further project in 2023 is looking at how to increase access to interventions for tube weaning, specifically for Māori tamariki and their whānau.
We are grateful to have funding from the Health Research Council for this project, which is being run in partnership with Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau (KidzFirst). This project involves interviews with whānau and health professionals to look at perspectives about tube weaning supports and barriers to referral.
CAREGIVER/PARENT SUPPORTS
In 2024, we aim to create a caregiver peer support space for caregivers of children with a feeding tube. The type of support will be designed based whānau/family feedback. This project is being led by Rae Zhang as part of her PhD.
Currently we are seeking whānau/family voices with an online survey, running up until February 2024.. The survey aims to explore the support families are receiving and specific preferences for support.
Link to the survey: https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9GIL2MiGONqgTAy
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Publications may be accessed via Research gate here -
