The Glennon Intestinal Rehabilitation and Feeding (GIRAF) program was established in 2015 as the first multidisciplinary program of its kind in the region dedicated to the specific needs of pediatric patients with intestinal failure.
The program offers a continuum of care from inpatient and outpatient settings utilizing a family-centric approach. GIRAF physicians and advanced practice nurses are involved in national clinical programs focused on improving care as well as innovative NIH-funded research to understand mechanisms and advance therapeutic options for patients living with intestinal failure.
Fellows and faculty have the opportunity to be trained to help children with intestinal failure, which happens when there is less than the normal amount of bowel or when the intestine does not adequately digest and absorb nutrients and fluids. Children with intestinal failure can experience diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, failure to thrive, feeding problems and a multitude of chronic illnesses.
By guiding these young patients on the journey to intestinal rehabilitation, the GIRAF team strives for patients to be able to digest, and absorb nutrients, water and electrolytes.
The GIRAF team provides ongoing, collaborative care in one place throughout a child’s development. The team focus on training for the differences in every child and develop an individualized treatment plan to meet their needs and have the best possible outcome. Patients will benefit from a customized, long-term plan to treat intestinal failure and its associated symptoms and conditions.
