WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE ‘An idea makes a change; driving the idea makes a difference.’
Over the last 12 months, we have seen a significant shift in the management of dysphagia patients here in the UK. This has been due to the adoption and implementation of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). As we move quickly through April, we see IDDSI becoming the standard approach to the texture modification of liquids and food here in the UK. Our Republic of Ireland counterparts will also start to see the adoption and implementation of IDDSI over the coming year too, as they prepare to make these changes to their national guidance and practice. Initially, the switch from the Dysphagia Diet Food Texture Descriptors (2011) to the new IDDSI framework may have seemed daunting, but the hard work and diligence of HCPs across the UK has paid off and the implementation is well and truly underway and even complete in many areas. To celebrate this great achievement, Evelyn Newman RD shares her experiences of implementing IDDSI in the care homes of the Highlands. Our clinical articles this month come from Rebecca Gasche, who provides our Cover Story on liver disease and the impact it can have on nutritional status, whilst Harriet Smith explores ways to increase uptake of ONS amongst patients on hospital wards. Harriet highlights tips from other dietitians working in clinical settings. Milks feature this month, as Alice Fletcher provides us with a report on goat milk and the role it plays in the human diet across the lifespan. Martha Hughes, Scientific and Regulatory Executive at the BSNA, takes a paediatric view through the importance of specialist infant formulas, discussing the role they play in ensuring
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optimal nourishment for all infants with a disease, disorder, or medical condition. We are all so busy with our patients and clients, do we ever consider nutrition and wellbeing in our place of work? Emma Coates Editor Evelyn Toner talks about the current eating and hydration habits within the Emma has been a dietitian UK workplace, explaining how healthy registered for 12 years, with changes can lead to healthier bodyweights experience of adult for employees and improved absent- and paediatric dietetics. eeism for companies and organisations. The low-FODMAP diet is becoming an ever more popular diet for managing a number of health issues, so we have asked Jess English to take a look at the development of this diet and discuss its applications, whilst Farihah Choudhury takes a look at the current understanding of food allergies, examining the reasons behind the increase in prevalence. Each day, many of us are never far away from someone experiencing the effects of malnutrition. ‘Today, malnutrition affects at least three million people in the UK. One in three people in care homes, one in 10 visiting their GP and one in four people admitted to hospital are malnourished and the number of malnourished people is increasing.’ Those are the stark figures taken to parliament by the BSNA recently and here, Catherine Hodgson, Public Affairs If you have important Manager, shares a report following news or research BSNA’s debut parliamentary event, updates to share which brought together parliamentarians with NHD, or would and HCPs to discuss the challenges faced like to send a letter by patients at risk of malnutrition and to the Editor, please how the NHS can better shape greater email us at info@ support for the future. networkhealthgroup. We’ve talked a lot about change in this co.uk. We would love Welcome. It can be challenging; it can be to hear from you. scary, but it’s good for us all! ‘The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.’ Charles Kettering. Enjoy the read. Emma www.NHDmag.com April 2019 - Issue 143
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