Malnutrition
Introducing the BAPEN Nutritional Care Tool A new measurement tool to support the delivery of improvements in nutritional screening, nutritional care processes, outcomes and the patient experience.
Anne Holdoway Consultant Dietitian, Chair of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Group of the BDA and BAPEN Council Member
Mike Stroud President of BAPEN
Ailsa Brotherton Chair of the Quality and Safety Committee, BAPEN
Dr Ailsa Brotherton, Anne Holdoway, Dr Mike Stroud on behalf of the BAPEN Quality Group*.
In recent years, in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the British Dietetic Association and the Royal College of Nursing, the BAPEN Malnutrition Action Group have undertaken several national nutrition screening weeks (NSWs). Conducted over four years (one per season) in a variety of care settings, the NSWs have generated one of the largest malnutrition data sets in the world. Despite best efforts of many organisations and individuals to tackle malnutrition, the data illustrates the continuing high prevalence of malnutrition in the UK, with an estimated three million individuals being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Failure to treat malnutrition is a costly business. In 2007, the costs associated with malnutrition were estimated to be £13 billion; this has risen to approximately £20 billion in 2014. These costs arise from the increased cost of caring for someone with malnutrition and the greater utilisation of healthcare resources. The personal cost to individuals and their families is also significant, and are reflected in an increased mortality rate, increased admissions to hospital, increased pressure ulcers, falls and infections and an overall decrease in quality of life. Combating malnutrition in the UK continues to present a significant challenge. A shift in mind-set is now needed to work together to find innovative solutions and monitor their impact. In this article we introduce the latest data-gathering tool that will enable us to work together towards monitoring the provision of nutritional care,
evaluate practice and identify areas for improvement. Tackling malnutrition achievements to date
In 1992, the King’s Fund published the report: ‘A Positive Approach to Nutrition as Treatment’. This landmark document became available as a motivated group of nutrition champions established BAPEN. Founded by core groups representing nursing, dietetics, doctors, pharmacy and scientific professions, patients and members of industry, BAPEN set in motion a move to raise the profile of nutrition as an integral component of healthcare. In conjunction with the work of BAPEN, the last two decades have seen numerous national, regional and local nutrition initiatives such as ‘protected mealtimes’ and ‘Nutrition Now’ (Royal College of Nursing) and the publication of numerous standards, including the NICE guidance CG32, ‘Nutritional support in adults’ (2006) and the NICE quality standards QS24 (2012), which have helped to raise awareness of the prevalence and treatment of malnutrition. In addition, both governmental and non-governmental organisations have championed the need for nutritional care across care settings, facilitated by those in practice and those commissioning services. Whilst it is evident that ‘MUST’ has helped to detect malnutrition, malnutrition rates have changed little in 20 years. Combating malnutrition therefore remains a significant challenge. Part of the reason for the ongoing issue may be a lack of focus on measuring NHDmag.com June 2015 - Issue 105
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