Sue Hawkins Care Catering Services Manager Malnutrition Task Force Update Prevention and early intervention of malnutrition in later life

So who is the Malnutrition Task Force? The Malnutrition Task Force Independent group of experts across health, social care and local government united to address the problem of preventable malnutrition in older people

It’s mission To ensure the prevention and treatment of malnutrition is embedded in all care and community support services and awareness is raised amongst older people and their families

What it means Malnutrition Undernutrition: low body weight with(out) weight loss NICE definition – a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m2 – unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within the last 3–6 months – a BMI of less than 20 kg/m2 and unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the last 3–6 months

Malnutrition Over a million older people (1:10) Devastating Declining mobility - due to muscle wasting Decreased resistance to infection/delayed healing Dizziness, leading to falls Depression Deteriorating quality of life Death!

Contributing factors

Costs of Malnutrition Severely malnourished people – see their GP twice as often – have 3 x the number of hospital admissions – stay in hospital more than 3 days longer – incur £1,440 pp in the year following diagnosis Increases dependency on family, carers and support services.

Our ageing population

Invest to save Screening, early intervention and treatment as per NICE guideline could save £71,800 per 100,000 population (Approx. £ for Dorset) Use of Oral Nutrition Supplements associated with 30% reduction in hospital re-admissions The cost of treating care homes residents diagnosed with malnutrition is twice that of screening all care home residents

Released

1 st principle: Raising awareness Public and professionals should understand the importance of good nutrition and hydration the dangers of malnutrition what to look out for where to get help/to signpost people for support Dorset CC/Dairy Council

Raise awareness of public and health professionals ‘Bring it back’ campaign to launch soon Free materials: poster, leaflet, postcards, flowchart for professionals Visit Visit Raising Awareness: Dairy Council Campaign

2 nd principle: Working together Organisations and individuals working together will provide a more complete service. A combined approach across the community and within health care, social care, the third sector and the commercial sector is essential Local Health and Wellbeing Boards, Adult Social Care, Care homes, Hospitals, Pharmacists, therapists Include the older person and relatives Clinicians and caterers and food providers must work together

3 rd principle: Identifying malnutrition Organisations and individuals must be well equipped to identify malnutrition in older people Assess the prevalence of malnutrition in the local population BAPEN tool(s) even an app! Screen people across all care settings Identify the cause of malnutrition and remedy the situation

4 th principle: Managing malnutrition Forming and implementing a personalised plan for and with each older person is crucial Use NICE guidance or care pathway Managing Adult Malnutrition in the community (BAPEN) Start support for ‘non’ clinical management

5 th principle: Monitoring and evaluating Monitoring and reviewing the older person’s progress and outcome is critical. Monitoring the structures and processes to ensure good nutrition and hydration care is continually implemented Service user feedback Annual Adult Social Care Survey

Activities ‘Best Practice’ principles and implementation guides for hospitals, local communities, care homes and food and beverage providers Mini-guide for commissioners Now available from Current phase ends May 2013 Implementation phase being planned

Thank you Any Questions? Sue –