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Remote patient monitoring and caregiver education for children with failure to thrive: a quasi-experimental study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Failure to Thrive (FTT), also known as growth or weight faltering, is characterized by inadequate weight gain, poor growth, and potential developmental delays. Affecting up to 10% of outpatient pediatric populations and 5% of hospitalized children, FTT is particularly common among children with medical complexity. Traditional management depends on frequent in-person visits, which create barriers and delay interventions. To address these barriers, this study evaluated Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) combined with caregiver education as a proactive, cost-conscious approach to FTT management. Methods: A quasi-experimental cohort study was conducted with children (ages 1-10 years) with FTT and requiring feeding tube support. Families transmitted weekly weight and feeding data using Bluetooth-enabled scales, supplemented by structured caregiver education. Outcomes included weight, hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization, and cost of care. Results: = 1) experienced a weight decline. Hospitalizations averaged 0.33 per patient pre-intervention, 0.60 during the intervention, and 0.33 post-intervention. Median hospitalizations were 0 (Q1 = 0, Q3 = 0) pre-intervention, 0 (Q1 = 0, Q3 = 1) during the intervention, and 0 (Q1 = 0, Q3 = 0.5) post-intervention. Emergency department visits averaged 1.07 pre-intervention, 0.60 during the intervention, and 0.87 post-intervention. Median ED visits were 0 (Q1 = 0, Q3 = 1) pre-intervention, 0 (Q1 = 0, Q3 = 1) during the intervention, and 1 (Q1 = 0, Q3 = 2) post-intervention. Median costs increased during the intervention phase before declining in the post-intervention period, despite mean costs being skewed upward by high utilizers. Conclusion: An RPM program integrated with caregiver education demonstrated feasibility in supporting proactive management of pediatric FTT. The intervention supported weight monitoring in this medically complex pediatric population, although healthcare utilization and costs varied across study periods. These preliminary findings support RPM may be a useful approach for managing pediatric FTT.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1823172