Rapid introduction of oral feedings to tube-fed patients.

Eleven patients on prolonged tube feedings were introduced to oral feedings in a 2- to 3-week inpatient feeding program. All but one patient successfully made the transition to full oral feeding in this period with minimal disruption of family life and parental anxiety. The program depends on proper selection of oral feeding candidates, preparation of the patient prior to hospital admission, and a firm, consistent approach to overcoming the child's resistance to eating food. A case study, overall results of the program, and management steps are described.