MEDIA INFORMATION from
BAPEN the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Registered Charity No.1023927
Issued 24 February 2004
ARTIFICIAL FEEDING AT HOME - INCREASED DEMAND REQUIRES EXTRA RESOURCES AND CONSISTENT DELIVERY ACROSS THE NATIONS REVEALS A REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY BY NATIONAL CHARITY BAPEN
The health service is facing a substantial increase in the number of adults and children requiring artificial feeding at home, reveals a Report published today by the charity BAPEN (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition).
By the end of 2002, the BANS Report from BAPEN showed that there were approximately 20,000 adults and children on home enteral tube feeding (HETF) in the United Kingdom. This represents a 16% increase in adult HETF and an 11% increase in paediatric HETF from 2001 to 2002 (point prevalence).
"Children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis are surviving longer due to advancements in medical and nutritional care. This will have significant implications for the provision of healthcare resources in the community and for the future funding of nutritional care", says Carole Glencorse, Dietitian and Co-editor of the British Artificial Nutrition Survey (BANS) Report Trends in Artificial Nutrition Support in the UK between 1996 and 2002 published by BAPEN.
Many adults and children requiring artificial nutrition are able to maintain their independence at home and are increasingly supported by commercial companies that provide a valuable home delivery and back-up service. The BANS Report reveals that 82% of adults and children starting HETF in 2002 used a home delivery company, an increase of 67% over the last 8 years.
Artificial feeding may be via the enteral route (using the gut) or via the parenteral route (intravenously). It may be used on a temporary basis for short term rehabilitation, or permanently for long term nutritional management.
The Report shows that the growth in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) was approximately 9% between 2001 and 2002. It also appears that there is a large national variation in the provision of HPN to both adults and children.
"It is of concern that equity of access to present services is variable and that standards of care differ according to geographical location, workload and experience," says Carole Glencorse on behalf of the BANS Committee. "There is a need to review the future funding and provision of HPN services."
Copies of the BANS Report are available from the BAPEN office at a cost of £10 each. (BAPEN, Secure Hold Business Centre, Studley Road, Redditch, Worcs B98 7LG). Log onto www.bapen.org.uk for more information and to download a copy of the Executive Summary of the Report.
Further media information from Rhonda Smith/Sally Robinson on 020-7072 4100
Notes to Editors
1. BANS (British Artificial Nutrition Survey) is a Standing Committee of BAPEN and publishes a report annually based on an audit and research into nutritional care in hospitals and the community.
2. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited autosomal recessive condition that causes the secretion of abnormal mucus in the lungs and problems with pancreas function and food absorption. Cerebral palsy is a life-long condition that affects the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posturing.
3. The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) was formed in 1992 as a result of recommendations made by the King's Fund Centre report "A Positive Approach to Nutrition as Treatment". The Association's aim is to improve the nutritional treatment of all sufferers from illness who have become, or are likely to become, malnourished and who are unable to consume normal food in sufficient quantities to promote recovery.
To achieve this aim BAPEN will:
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Establish a Clinical Governance framework which underpins nutritional management throughout the course of a patient's illness
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Establish a multi professional/multi disciplinary research programme which enhances understanding of the pathogenesis of malnutrition, the role of nutrient substrates and evaluates the clinical application of new knowledge and technology
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Create opportunity for enhancing knowledge and developing skills in clinical nutrition through education and training
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Communicate the benefits of clinical and cost effective optimal nutritional care to health care professionals, policy makers and the public