Priority Nutrition Training Level 1 – General Nutrition Awareness Training (April 2014)

Objectives Know what malnutrition is Understand causes of malnutrition Be familiar with the effects of malnutrition Understand what you can do to improve patients nutrition

What you need to know… Malnutrition affects around 3 million people in the UK The cost of malnutrition is over £13 billion Patients in hospital are at increased risk of malnutrition

Malnutrition Malnutrition is under nutrition caused by a diet lacking adequate calories, protein and other nutrients. The Face of Malnutrition Malnutrition can occur in patients of all shapes and sizes.

Why it’s important … Malnutrition Delays recovery time Prolongs hospital stay Increases risk of pressure sores Increases risk of infection

What causes malnutrition? There are many causes including: Painful mouth or teeth Difficulty swallowing Loss of smell/taste Poor appetite Isolation Poverty Long term/chronic progressive conditions diabetes, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, dementia, cancer

What you can do … Screen patients Plan nutritional care On admission and repeat weekly Use nursing specialist assessment document and the LTHT nutritional screening tool Plan nutritional care Use the Oral Nutrition Support Care Plan when indicated Refer to the Dietitian when indicated

Nutritional care Follow the ‘Protected Mealtimes Policy’ Prepare patients and environment Provide assistance and encouragement Oral Nutrition Support Care Plan actions Red tray and red water jug lid Food and drink charts Offer snacks twice a day Start oral nutritional supplement drinks Awareness of different menus Modified texture/Kosher/Gluten free/ Multi-cultural

Communication Involve the patient in their nutritional care plan Communicate with other HCP’s Ward housekeepers Ward nursing team (healthcare assistants, student and registered nurses) Dietitian Medical team Communicate with others on discharge E.g. Gp/district nurse/nursing home staff

Conclusion Recognise malnutrition risk factors Screen for malnutrition Prevent and treat malnutrition Have a nutritional care plan! Resources Nutrition and Dietetic webpage http://lthweb/sites/nutrition-and-dietetics