Intensive Outpatient Treatment of Pediatric Rumination Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Rumination syndrome is a disorder of gut-brain interaction that involves effortless postprandial regurgitation of gastric contents. It frequently occurs in otherwise healthy children and adolescents, and is associated with significant physical and psychological consequences. Treatment of Rumination syndrome is largely behavioral, and more severe illness was traditionally treated with intensive inpatient treatment. While largely successful, inpatient treatment is very costly and frequently denied by insurance. Method: As such, the intensive outpatient program (IOP) for treating Rumination syndrome was developed. This paper describes the novel IOP approach to treating pediatric Rumination syndrome in detail. Results: Data on both treatment and cost-effectiveness of the IOP are reviewed, demonstrating that IOP is as effective yet significantly cheaper than intensive inpatient treatment. The tiered method of care used within this model, adaptation to telehealth, and translatability of the program to other providers and institutions are also reviewed. Conclusions: Intensive outpatient treatment for pediatric Rumination syndrome is an effective form of treatment that is significantly less costly than inpatient care, more readily approved by insurance, and more easily translated to telehealth or other institutions and providers for use. Implications for Impact StatementThe intensive outpatient program for treating pediatric Rumination syndrome is effective while costing significantly less than previously relied upon inpatient treatment and is described in detail in this article. Adaptation to telehealth as well as ability of other providers or institutions to use this model to treat pediatric Rumination syndrome is reviewed.