I agree that "Food First" is the way forward and as a dietitian I support this approach.
However, in the acute setting this is not always a realistic goal as there are so many other variables, e.g. catering service, staffing levels, nursing handover, infection control, resources, etc...
I undertand the pressure on GP's as supplements are costly, however if prescribed appropriately as per ACBS then should be approved.
This is something that should be audited in the acute setting and in the community. Remember that other HP's prescribe supplements, and how about patients admitted on supplements who have not been referred to dietetics??
As we know there are many different types of sip feeds, some for specific conditions and some people may be totally dependant on these - even with regular dietetic support. It's on an individual basis!
I agree that we need to justify our request for supplements/sip feeds to continue once discharged from hospital.
The nutritional advice may alter once discharged home so it is important that these people are folllowed up and given appropriate advice in their community setting. If stable, the community dietitian can then discontinue the supplement.....
Rapid Response:
Re: Bad medicine: medical nutrition
I agree that "Food First" is the way forward and as a dietitian I support this approach.
However, in the acute setting this is not always a realistic goal as there are so many other variables, e.g. catering service, staffing levels, nursing handover, infection control, resources, etc...
I undertand the pressure on GP's as supplements are costly, however if prescribed appropriately as per ACBS then should be approved.
This is something that should be audited in the acute setting and in the community. Remember that other HP's prescribe supplements, and how about patients admitted on supplements who have not been referred to dietetics??
As we know there are many different types of sip feeds, some for specific conditions and some people may be totally dependant on these - even with regular dietetic support. It's on an individual basis!
I agree that we need to justify our request for supplements/sip feeds to continue once discharged from hospital.
The nutritional advice may alter once discharged home so it is important that these people are folllowed up and given appropriate advice in their community setting. If stable, the community dietitian can then discontinue the supplement.....
Competing interests: No competing interests