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1 Community Malnutrition Resource Pack

Community Malnutrition Resource Pack · Social issues e.g. poverty, inability to cook and shop, poor social support. 6 Causes & Consequences of Malnutrition When the body does not

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Page 1: Community Malnutrition Resource Pack · Social issues e.g. poverty, inability to cook and shop, poor social support. 6 Causes & Consequences of Malnutrition When the body does not

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Community Malnutrition

Resource Pack

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Contents

Page 3 Western Sussex Hospitals Nutrition & Dietetics Contact Details

Page 5 What is Malnutrition?

Page 8 ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’

Page 17 Management Guidelines

Page 18 Setting Nutritional Aims

Page 19 Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

Page 21 Food First

Page 22 Over-the-Counter Supplements

Page 23 Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)

Page 26 Frequently Asked Questions

Page 27 - Diabetes

- Heart Disease

Page 28 - End of Life Care

Page 29 - Dementia

Page 30 - Oral Health

Page 31 - Texture-Modified Diets

- Thickened fluids

Page 32 - Hydration

Page 34 How to Refer to the Dietitians

Page 35 Other Useful Information Sources

Page 36 References

Page 37 Appendices

A Community ‘MUST’ Form

B Height Conversion Chart

C Alternative Measurements (Ulna Length

and MUAC)

D Weight Conversion Chart

E BMI Score Chart

F Weight Loss Score Chart

G ‘Eat Better, Feel Better’ Leaflet

H ‘Fortified Milk and Nourishing Drinks’

Leaflet

I ‘Food Boosters’ Leaflet

J Over the Counter Supplements

K ‘Referral To Dietitian (Adult Outpatient/

Community)’ Form

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Western Sussex Hospitals Nutrition & Dietetics Contact Details

Chichester

The Lodge, St. Richard’s Hospital, Spitalfield Lane, Chichester, PO19 6SE

Main Office Telephone No: 01243 831498

Fax: 01243 831497

Email: [email protected]

Community Dietitians: 01243 788122 ext. 32410

Home Enteral Feeding Dietitians 01243 831776

(regarding any patient with a feeding tube)

Worthing & Southlands

Worthing Hospital, Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, BN11 2DH

Main Office Telephone No: 01903 286779

Fax: 01903 285235

Email: [email protected]

Home Enteral Feeding Dietitians: 01903 205111 ext. 85882

(regarding any patient with a feeding tube)

Department Website: http://www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk/services/dietitians/

Other Useful Contacts

Community Speech and Language Therapy

Chichester/Selsey/Bognor Regis/Arundel/Midhurst Tel: 01243 623614

Worthing Tel:01273 242298

Email (for both teams): [email protected]

Crawley/Horsham Tel: 01293 600300 ext. 3764

Email: [email protected]

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Section 1:

Introduction to Malnutrition

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What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a state of nutrition in which a deficiency of energy, protein and/or

other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on the body including its

composition, the way it functions and clinical outcome1.

Groups at risk of malnutrition include individuals with1:

Acute illness e.g. chest infections, UTIs

Chronic diseases e.g. COPD, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic progressive diseases e.g. dementia, neurological conditions

Debility e.g. frailty, immobility, depression, recent hospital discharges

Social issues e.g. poverty, inability to cook and shop, poor social support

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Causes & Consequences of Malnutrition

When the body does not get the right combination of food and fluid to work properly,

health can quickly deteriorate into a vicious circle where the consequences of

malnutrition can make the problem worse. This is why it is important that

malnutrition is detected and treated as soon as possible.

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Section 2:

Malnutrition Screening

(‘MUST’) & Management

Guidelines

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‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)’

Nutritional screening is essential to identify and implement appropriate care plans

for individuals who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

An individual is considered at risk of malnutrition if they have:

A body mass index (BMI) of less than 20kg/m2

and/or

Unintentional weight loss of greater than 5% in the last 3-6 months

The ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (‘MUST’) is a validated screening tool

that can be used across care settings to identify individuals aged 18 years and over

who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

An individual should be screened on their first contact and then upon clinical

concern or more regularly if they are found to be at risk of malnutrition.

The following pages will guide you through the process of calculating a ‘MUST’

score and appropriate care planning depending on the determined level of risk.

A copy of the community ‘MUST’ form is located in Appendix A.

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‘MUST’ Overview

>20kg/m2

Score 0

18.5—20kg/m2

Score 1

<18.5kg/m2

Score 2

<5%

Score 0

5-10% Score 1

>10% Score 2

Add scores together: Step 1 + Step 2 + Step 3

‘MUST’ Score 0 Low Risk of Malnutrition

‘MUST’ Score 1 Medium Risk of Malnutrition

‘MUST’ Score ≥2 High Risk of Malnutrition

Unlikely to apply in the

community

If acutely ill and no intake

for >5 days Score 2

STEP 1 BMI Score

STEP 3 + STEP 2 + Weight loss score Acute disease effect score

STEP 4 Overall Risk of Malnutrition

STEP 5 Management Guidelines

See Page 17

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

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Weighing & Measuring

To use the ‘MUST’ tool you will need:

Current weight

Weight history (past 3-6 months ideally)

Height

Measuring Height

Use a height stick/ stadiometer where possible

The individual should be stood upright and looking straight ahead, with

shoes removed and feet flat with heels against height stick

Measure in metres (m) where possible or use the Height Conversion

Chart (Appendix B)

If you are unable to measure height:

use self-reported height (if reliable)

use visual assessment

consider using ulna length (see Appendix C) although be aware that

this measurement is only an estimation to be used alongside visual

assessment

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Measuring Weight

Ensure scales are regularly calibrated (at least yearly)

Where possible, use the same scales and try to weigh under consistent

conditions e.g. same time of day, same clothing

If using chair or hoist scales, ensure the individual’s body is not touching the

bed or floor whilst taking the measurement

Measure in kilograms (kg) if possible or use the Weight Conversion Chart

(Appendix D)

If you are unable to weigh the individual consider using mid-upper arm

circumference (MUAC) to estimate BMI (see Appendix C)

Other Factors to Consider When Measuring Weight

If the patient appears to have lost a lot of weight (more than 4kg in a month

or less), re-weigh them to ensure the reading is accurate

Consider other potential causes of significant weight loss or gain:

Fluid disturbances: Oedema/Ascites can affect weight by as much

10kg in severe cases. Consider diuretics which may cause rapid weight

loss

Plaster casts can weigh up to 4kg depending on material, size and site

Amputations: use the following calculations to estimate ’actual body

weight’ for amputees:

Weighing & Measuring

Below knee Current weight (kg) x 1.063

Full leg Current weight (kg) x 1.18

Forearm Current weight (kg) x 1.022

Full arm Current weight (kg) x 1.05

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Step 1: Body Mass Index (BMI) Score

Step 1 looks at Body Mass Index (BMI) which provides an indication of whether an

individual is underweight, healthy weight or overweight.

BMI is calculated using the following equation:

Weight (kg)

Height2 (m

2)

OR use BMI Score Chart (Appendix E) to determine step 1 score

See page 11 for a worked example of using the BMI Score Chart

Step 1 (BMI) Score

Once you have calculated BMI, you can calculate the Step 1 score:

BMI 20kg/m2 or more Score 0

BMI between 18.5 – 20kg/m2 Score 1

BMI below 18.5kg/m2 Score 2

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

BMI =

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Step 1: BMI Score Chart - Example

1. Locate height (m) on bottom of the chart

(measurements in feet and inches along the top)

2. Locate weight (kg) on left side of the

chart (measurements in stones and

pounds along right hand side)

3. Find where the two measurements

cross on the chart. In this example:

BMI is 19kg/m2

Step 1 Score = 1

(as falls within yellow band)

Example: Fred is 1.68m tall and weighs 54kg

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

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Step 2: Weight Loss Score

Step 2 looks at the amount of unintentional weight loss in the past 3-6 months.

To calculate percentage weight loss, you need:

The individual’s current weight

Highest weight from the past 3-6 month period

Calculate percentage weight loss by:

weight 3-6 months ago — current weight

weight 3-6 months ago

OR use Weight Loss Score Chart (Appendix F) to work out step 2 score.

See page 15 for a worked example of using Weight Loss Score Chart

If weight loss cannot be calculated use clinical judgement and visual assessment

to estimate. In particular, consider:

Loose fitting clothes and/or jewellery

Loose fitting dentures

Protruding collar bone or sunken facial features

Step 2 (Weight Loss) Score

Once you have calculated percentage weight loss you can calculate the Step 2

score:

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

Less than 5% weight loss Score 0

Between 5-10% weight loss Score 1

More than 10% weight loss Score 2

X 100 % weight loss =

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Step 2: Weight Loss Score Chart - Example

1. Current weight is 44kg (to nearest kg)

- locate this in the left hand column

2. Read across and find where previous

weight lies to determine step 2 score.

In this example, if her previous weight was

- less than 46.3kg Score 0

- between 46.3 - 48.9kg Score 1

- more than 48.9kg Score 2

As Daphne previously weighed 45.3kg she

would score 0 (as this is less than 46.3kg)

Example: Daphne was 45.3kg three months ago and now weighs 43.9kg

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

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Step 3: Acute Disease Effect Score (ADE)5

Add scores together to calculate ‘MUST’ score and overall risk of malnutrition.

Step 1 + Step 2 + Step 3 = Step 4

BMI Weight Loss Acute Disease ‘MUST’ score

Score Score Effect Score

‘MUST’ Score 0 Low Risk

‘MUST’ Score 1 Medium Risk

‘MUST’ Score 2 or more High Risk

Step 4: ‘MUST’ Score

The ADE Score is unlikely to apply to individuals in the community

therefore Score 0

Score 2 if the individual is acutely unwell and there has been or is likely to be no

nutritional intake for 5 days or more as they will be at risk of malnutrition.

This includes those who are critically ill and those who have swallowing difficulties

(e.g. after stroke).

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

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Step 5: Management Guidelines

Follow recommended management guidelines relating to ‘MUST’ score.

Score 0

LOW RISK

Document nutritional aim & actions

Rescreen as part of routine clinical care or upon

concern

Score 1

MEDIUM RISK

Document nutritional aims & actions (see page 18)

Consider underlying cause of malnutrition and treat

and refer as appropriate (see pages 19-20)

Provide the “Eat Better, Feel Better” leaflet and advice

Weigh & rescreen at least monthly

Score 2

HIGH RISK

Document nutritional aim & actions

Consider underlying cause of malnutrition and treat/

refer as appropriate (see pages 19-20)

Provide the “Eat Better, Feel Better” leaflet and advice

Consider over-the-counter supplement drink (see

page 22)

Weigh and rescreen at least monthly

If no improvement consider treating as score 3 or more

Score ≥3

HIGH RISK

Care plan as per score 2 AND:

Weigh and rescreen at least monthly, more often if

significant concerns

Consider one month trial of first line ONS in line with

ONS formulary – discuss with GP (see page 23-24)

If no improvement after one month consider referral to

Dietitian – discuss with GP

The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the kind permission of BAPEN (British

Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

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Implementing Guidelines

The management guidelines on page 17 are the recommended first-line actions to

take after ‘MUST’ screening.

The following pages discuss these guidelines in more detail and provide practical

information:

Setting nutritional aims

Considering underlying causes of malnutrition

Principles of the ‘Food First’ approach

Over-the-counter supplements

Oral nutritional supplements

Frequently asked questions

The ‘MUST’ score only indicates the risk of malnutrition.

This risk must be discussed and considered with the individual and/or others

involved in their care to develop an appropriate care plan.

A nutritional aim is the overall target for nutritional intervention. This could be:

Preventing further weight loss

Promoting weight gain

Improving strength/function

Promoting wound healing

Promoting good quality of life

Consider the individual’s condition and ensure the aim is realistic and achievable.

Once nutritional aims have been agreed

Document clearly with action points agreed to achieve this aim

Monitor progress regularly where possible

Setting Nutritional Aims

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Consider Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

Malnutrition can be caused by a variety of physical, mental and social issues. If

you have identified that an individual is at risk of malnutrition, it is important to

consider the reasons why.

Below and overleaf are some common causes of poor intake and actions that

may help.

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Consider Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

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‘Food First’ Approach

The ‘Food First’ approach is a way of adding extra calories and protein to an

individual’s diet using everyday food items. It is important to try and do this with

anyone at medium or high risk of malnutrition (‘MUST’ score of 1 or more) or those

with a small appetite.

The basic principles of ‘Food First’ include trying to maximise their intake by

adding:

1 pint of fortified milk

2 snacks between meal times

3 fortified meals

The following leaflets provide further advice:

‘Eat Better, Feel Better’ Leaflet (Appendix G)

‘Fortified Milk’ (Appendix H)

‘Food Boosters’ (Appendix I)

These leaflets can also be accessed from the Western Sussex Dietitians website:

http://www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk/services/dietitians/information-

health-professionals/

It is important that you discuss this information with the patient and take into

account their personal preferences to help find potential solutions. You may need to

consider:

Who does the food shopping?

Who prepares the meals?

Available food storage and cooking equipment

Financial situation

See page 35 for contact details of local social care and meal delivery services.

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Over-the-Counter Supplements

The following nutritional supplements are available over the counter from most

pharmacies and supermarkets. Other suitable products may be available.

Most products can be made up with water (if not ready to drink), but making up

the products with full fat/fortified milk is recommended where possible to

maximise nutritional content.

For further information please visit the manufacturer websites (listed on page

34).

Complan Milkshake or soup style

Meritene Energis Milkshake or soup style

Aymes Milkshake or soup style

Nourishment Original Pre-made milkshake style

(tin)

Nourishment Extra Pre-made milkshake style

(bottle)

For detailed product information and a printable leaflet see Appendix J.

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Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)

ONS are classified as foods for special medical purposes which are available

on prescription. They may be required to increase energy and/or protein

intake when diet alone is insufficient to meet nutritional requirements. Most

supplements will also contain vitamins and minerals.

ONS should only be used alongside the ‘Food First’ approach, unless

otherwise advised. They should not be used to replace food.

...See overleaf for supplement prescribing

Tolerance and Compliance

ONS are only effective if taken as prescribed on a regular basis. If the

individual is struggling to take their ONS consider the following:

Taste preferences e.g. sweet/savoury and prevent ‘taste fatigue’

Serve milkshake-style ONS cold and savoury ONS warm (do not boil)

Serving ONS in a glass/cup may make them more appealing

Encourage ONS use between meals to avoid filling up on them

Once opened, store ONS in refrigerator and use within 24hours

Speak to a Dietitian for different recipes which make use of ONS

including jelly, ice lollies and milk puddings.

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Other Considerations When Prescribing ONS

Consider prescribing ‘starter packs’ or mixed flavours to allow the patient

to trial the supplements before ordering a long term supply

Consider the individual’s ability to open a bottle, make up a powdered

supplement or collect the prescription from the pharmacy

Consider taste preferences e.g. sweet or savoury to improve compliance

and prevent ‘taste fatigue’

Consider special dietary requirements e.g. vegan, gluten-free

Refer to a Dietitian should a patient be prescribed a second line oral

nutritional supplement

Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) Prescribing

There are a number of different ONS available. For guidance on when to prescribe

ONS see:

“Oral Nutrition Support Care Pathway” (page 25)

Refer to the ONS formulary for first line supplement options:

http://www.coastalwestsussexformulary.nhs.uk/docs/formulary/

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Oral Nutritional Support Care Pathway

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Related Topics and FAQ’s

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FAQs: ‘Food First’ & Diabetes

Poorly controlled diabetes is likely to result in weight loss therefore it is important to

try and stabilise blood sugars. However, restricting food intake to stabilise blood

sugars is likely to result in further weight loss and increased risk of malnutrition.

Consider reviewing diabetic medication and consider other causes of poor control,

such as underlying infections, before considering food restriction.

For individuals at risk of malnutrition, ‘sugary’ food and drink should still be limited.

Use of products labelled specifically for diabetics e.g. diabetic chocolate or diabetic

jam is NOT recommended.

A high protein/fat diet can still be recommended for residents with diabetes who are

at risk of malnutrition, including:

Full fat dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt)

‘Food boosters’ such as butter, cream, mayonnaise, peanut butter

‘Cream of’ soups

Eggs, meat & fish with sauces

If considering ONS for residents with diabetes:

Use savoury/milk-based ONS instead of sweeter juice-based varieties

Encourage individuals to sip ONS slowly

Increase frequency of blood glucose monitoring

If you have any concerns, refer to the Dietitian

FAQs: ‘Food First’ & Heart Disease

In the short-term, a high fat diet is unlikely to cause significant increase in

cholesterol levels. If a resident requires a long-term high fat diet for malnutrition and

there is concern regarding their cholesterol levels, try to use products high in

monounsaturated fats e.g. olive oil, olive oil-based spreads, nuts and oily fish.

These fats have been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and

overall heart health, whilst containing similar amounts of calories.

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‘Food First’ & End of Life Care

Nutrition and hydration towards the end of someone’s life can be an emotive

issue. During this process, the body begins to shut down and the desire for

someone to eat and drink naturally begins to decrease. It is important to

remember that the person is not dying because they are not eating and drinking,

they are not eating and drinking because they are dying.

The use of ‘Food First’ and ONS in end of life care should be decided on an

individual basis and will be informed by the individual’s condition i.e. whether they

are at an early or late stage of care, and their treatment plan.

In early palliative care:

‘Food First’ and/or ONS may be helpful if food intake is compromised e.g. if

the individual is fatigued, or has an impaired ability to chew or swallow

Prevention of weight loss and maintenance of good nutritional status can

sometimes be a realistic aim and may help maintain or improve the

individual’s condition

In late palliative care

The main aim should be maximising quality of life

Encourage intake of foods and drinks that the individual most enjoys

Anxiety around eating and nutrition is common, particularly for carers

Be aware that there may be tension between individuals and their carers/

family about how much intake can be managed

Weight gain and/or reversal of malnutrition are not realistic goals - avoid

giving the individual and carers false hope that ONS will improve nutritional

status and/or prolong life

Aggressive feeding is unlikely to be appropriate, especially if eating and

drinking cause discomfort or anxiety. Avoid making the individual feel that

they must take ONS

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Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome associated with memory loss, thinking speed,

understanding and judgement, all of which can impact nutritional intake. Common

issues that may affect eating and drinking in individuals with dementia include:

Cognitive & Sensory Difficulties may include problems with recognising food/

drinks and concentration at mealtimes.

Encouragement and prompting to eat, using pictures to explain menus and

engaging person in mealtime-related activities e.g. laying the table

Calm, relaxed environment, limiting distractions

Finger foods, regular snacks and more frequent/flexible mealtimes may be

helpful for individuals who become distracted or lose focus

Ensure the individual is wearing hearing aids and glasses if required

Ensure food/drink is not too hot

Motor/Coordination Difficulties may include problems with co-ordination or

chewing/swallowing issues.

Consider ‘finger foods’ to promote independence

Consider adapted cutlery – refer to Occupational Therapist for further advice

or appropriate equipment

Ensure dentures fit properly

May require softer diet and/or thickened fluids

Behavioural Difficulties may include changes in behaviour or eating habits and

preferences.

It can be difficult to identify the problem, particularly if the individual has

communication difficulties

Try not to rush the individual, look for non-verbal cues

If the individual becomes agitated, wait until the person has calmed down

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Oral Health

Good oral health is essential for pain free eating, drinking and talking, as well as

good overall general health.

Poor oral health is strongly related to malnutrition7.

Table below shows patient groups with increased oral health risk factors:

Be observant for any change in eating, speaking or any behaviour that may in-

dicate pain and seek dental advice if this occurs

Individuals should see a dentist at least once a year

Ask about oral health and teeth/denture cleaning habits

Refer to the following website for detailed guidance on mouth care:

http://www.mouthcarematters.hee.nhs.uk/

Dementia Oxygen Therapy

Frail Elderly Learning Disability

Immunocompromised Palliative Care

Head and Neck Radiation Delirium

Stroke Physical and mental disability

The ’What to look for’ diagram is adapted and reproduced here from Heath Education England’s Mouth Care Matters Initiative. For

further information on see http://www.mouthcarematters.hee.nhs.uk/

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Texture-Modified Diet & Thickened Fluids

What About Individuals Who Require a Texture-Modified Diet?

Individuals requiring a texture-modified diet (fork-mashable, pre-mashed or pureed)

are often at a higher risk of malnutrition due to:

Restricted food choices - not all food can be processed to appropriate

consistency

Some individuals find mashed/pureed foods unpalatable

Processing food often requires adding liquid e.g. stock, water, which ‘dilutes’

the nutritional value of the food. This means the individual has to consume

more to receive the same level of nutrition (which is often unmanageable

amounts)

What to do...

‘Food boosters’ e.g. cream, butter, cheese, milk powder are useful ways to add

extra calories to mashed/pureed foods without adding significant volume.

Advise appropriate milky drinks and nourishing snacks e.g. milkshakes, custard,

mousse, yogurts, soft cheese.

What About Individuals Who Need Thickened Fluids?

Thickeners should only be used with guidance from a Speech & Language

Therapist following a swallowing assessment.

Always ensure the recommended amount of prescribed thickener is used as it is

not always the same for each product.

If an individual on thickened fluids requires ONS, please contact the Dietitians or

Speech & Language Therapists (see page 4) who can advise on appropriate

thickening methods or alternative products.

If you have any questions regarding the suitability of these suggestions for

your patient then please contact Dietitians or Speech & Language

Therapists or discuss with GP/Specialist for further advice.

Texture-Modified Diet & Thickened Fluids

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Hydration

How much do we need to drink?

Current guidelines recommend that we should normally aim to drink 6-8 glasses

(1600 - 2000ml) per day.

What counts as fluid?

Remember that all fluid counts (except alcohol) including water, tea, coffee, milk,

juice and squash. Some foods also contribute to fluid intake because of their high

water content, such as fruit, ice lollies, soups and sauces.

What problems can dehydration cause?

Poor fluid intake can contribute to:

Constipation

Increased UTIs and incontinence issues

Cognitive impairment

Increased risk of pressure ulcers and poor wound healing

Low blood pressure and falls

Will increasing fluid intake worsen my incontinence?

Many older people deliberately reduce their fluid intake to reduce how often they

need to go to the toilet. In fact, poor hydration leads to concentrated urine which

irritates the bladder and makes incontinence and frequency worse. It is therefore

important to educate patients and encourage good fluid intake.

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Hydration

How to encourage an individual to drink more

CA

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Adapted from Mentes (2013) 7

Hydration

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Individuals can be referred by their GP or visiting healthcare professional to see a

Dietitian. Please note that we do not currently accept referrals directly from care

agencies or care homes.

The referral form can be located on:

http://www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk/services/dietitians/information-

health-professionals/

OR see Appendix K

If you are unsure if a referral is appropriate please contact the Dietitians first to

discuss before sending. Please ensure that the recommended management

guidelines detailed in this resource pack have been implemented before referral.

The assessment will take place either in an outpatient clinic, as a telephone

appointment, as a domiciliary visit if the patient is housebound or at the care home

(not currently available in all areas).

The following information is required in order for the dietitian to assess the

individual fully:

Medical history and current medication

Current weight, height, BMI, weight history and ‘MUST’ score

Bowel charts and fluid input/output

Details of Speech and Language Therapist assessment, particularly if the

individual has been advised to have a texture-modified diet and/or thickened

fluids

Details of food intake, including intake of ONS (completed food and fluid

charts are the best way to record this)

Details about any other healthcare professional involvement

Details of any other issues that may be affecting the individual’s intake

How to Refer to the Dietitians

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Other Useful Information Sources

Malnutrition and ‘MUST’

BAPEN http://www.bapen.org.uk/screening-for-malnutrition/must/introducing-must

Managing Adult malnutrition in the Community www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk

Malnutrition Taskforce www.malnutritiontaskforce.org.uk/resources.html

Nutritional Products

British National Formulary—information on ONS

www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/bnf/current/PHP8853-borderline-substances.htm

Complan www.complan.com

Meritene Energis www.nestlehealthscience.co.uk/products/meritene-energis

Other Sources of Dietary Information

BDA Food Facts Leaflets www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/home

Coeliac UK www.coeliac.org.uk/home

Diabetes UK www.diabetes.org.uk

Meal Delivery Services

Apetito hot meal delivery 01225 560 136 https://www.apetito.co.uk/

Wiltshire Farm Foods 0800 773 773 www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com

Oakhouse Foods 0845 643 2009 www.oakhousefoods.co.uk

Sussex Farmhouse Meals 0845 070 2222 www.sussexfarmhousemeals.co.uk

West Sussex Carepoint (for social services enquiries)

Phone: 01243 642121

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.westsussex.gov.uk/social-care-and-health

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References

1. Managing Adult Malnutrition in the Community, including a pathway for the

appropriate use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) Produced by a multi-

professional consensus panel May 2012. Available electronically at

www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk

2. Elia M and Russell CA. Combating Malnutrition: Recommendations for

Action. Report from the advisory group, led by BAPEN. 2009.

3. Russell CA and Elia M. Nutrition Screening Survey in the UK and Republic of

Ireland in 2011. A report by BAPEN. 2012.

4. Elia M and Stratton RJ. Calculating the cost of disease-related malnutrition

in the UK in 2007 (public expenditure only) in: Combating Malnutrition:

Recommendations for Action. Report from the advisory group, led by

BAPEN. 2009.

5. Malnutrition Action Group, A Standing Committee of BAPEN. The ‘MUST’

Explanatory Booklet, A Guide to the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening

Tool’ (‘MUST’) for Adults. 2011.

6. Care Quality Commission. Time to listen in Care Homes. Dignity and

nutrition inspection program 2012. Published 2013. Available electronically at

http://www.cqc.org.uk

7. Gil-Montoya JA, Subira C, Ramon JM and Gonzalez-Moles MA. Oral Health-

Related Quality of Life and Nutritional Status. American Association of Public

Health Dentistry. 68(2), 88-93. 2008.

* The 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST') is adapted and reproduced here with the

kind permission of BAPEN (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). For further

information on 'MUST' see www.bapen.org.uk.

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Appendices

Appendix A Community ‘MUST’ Form

Appendix B Height Conversion Chart

Appendix C Alternative Measurements (Ulna Length and MUAC)

Appendix D Weight Conversion Chart

Appendix E BMI Score Chart

Appendix F Weight Loss Score Chart

Appendix G ‘Eat Better, Feel Better’ Leaflet

Appendix H ‘Fortified Milk and Nourishing Drinks’ Leaflet

Appendix I ‘Food Boosters’ Leaflet

Appendix J Over the Counter Supplements

Appendix K ‘Referral To Dietitian (Adult Outpatient/Community)’ Form

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Appendix A: Community ‘MUST’ Form

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Appendix B: Height Conversion Chart

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Appendix C: Alternative Measures

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Appendix D: Weight Conversion Chart

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Appendix E: BMI Chart

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Appendix F: Weight loss Score

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Appendix G: Eat Better, Feel Better (page 1)

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Appendix G: Eat Better, Feel Better (page 2)

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Appendix H: Fortified Milk and Nourishing Drinks (page 1)

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Appendix H: Fortified Milk and Nourishing Drinks (page 2)

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Appendix I: Food Boosters

www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk

‘Food Boosters’ are a useful way of adding extra calories to foods and drinks without sig-

nificantly increasing the volume. Aim to add at least one booster per dish at each.

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Appendix J: Over the Counter Supplements

The following nutritional supplements are available over the counter from most

pharmacies and supermarkets. Other suitable products may be available.

Most products can be made up with water (if not ready to drink) but making up the

products with full fat/fortified milk is recommended where possible to maximise

nutritional content.

www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk

Department: Dietitians Issue date: April 2017 Review date: April 2019 Author: Dietitians Version: 1

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Appendix K: Referral to Dietitian Form

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www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk Department: Nutrition & Dietetics

Issue date: January 2018

Review date: January 2020

St Richard’s Hospital Spitalfield Lane

Chichester West Sussex

PO19 6SE

Produced by Western Sussex Hospitals Dietitians. For further information or to provide feedback

please contact:

St Richard’s Hospital Tel: 01243 831498 Email: [email protected]

Worthing & Southlands Hospital Tel:01903 286779 Email: [email protected]

We are committed to making our publications as accessible as possible. If you need this document in an

alternative format, for example, large print, Braille or a language other than English, please contact the

Communications Office by email at [email protected] or by calling 01903 205 111 ext.

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