Adobe Reader is required to view PDF files. Please click on the logo to the left to download this for free.
This press release is also available in PDF format
14th June 2007
Nutrition Screening Week (25/27 Sept 07) – First announcement
You can help find out the actual number of malnourished people being admitted to hospital and care in the UK today
BAPEN is undertaking the first prospective national nutrition screening survey across both hospital and community care settings 25 – 27th September 2007 in order to find out the prevalence of malnutrition on admission to hospital and care today. This survey is being organised in collaboration with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and is also supported by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA).
Christine Russell, BAPEN Lead for Nutrition Screening Week says:
"Malnutrition is a problem, we read about it in the press, see it in our hospitals, care homes and community, yet the data we have on its prevalence is based on studies undertaken in just a few centres in UK over 10 years ago, which use different criteria to define malnutrition. If we are to seriously tackle this problem we really do need to know exactly how big it is today."
Why is such a survey needed?
-
The prevalence of malnutrition in UK is based on data collected in studies undertaken over 10 years ago involving a limited number of institutions. It may not reflect the magnitude of the problem today.
-
Different criteria were used to define malnutrition in these studies.
-
The BAPEN Nutrition Screening Week will be the first prospective national survey of the prevalence of malnutrition on admission to hospital and care in the UK.
What is the purpose of the survey?
-
It will complement the data collected during the European Nutrition Day audits. The amount of paperwork required for the UK survey is considerably less.
-
It will be used to inform the Department of Health and other government departments, other organisations and the media of the current magnitude of the problem of malnutrition on admission to hospital and care homes.
What will be the outcomes of the survey?
-
Data from participating centres will be analysed and returned to reporters to enable local data to be compared with national figures.
-
The results of the survey will be presented at BAPEN 2007 (Harrogate 27/28 Nov.)
-
The results of the survey will also form the basis of launching or promoting other initiatives such as education and training of health professionals, including nurses, who usually undertake nutritional screening.
Mrs Russell believes that identifying and treating malnutrition can benefit the NHS as well as patients.
"Identifying the prevalence of malnutrition on admission to hospitals and care homes actually reflects what’s happening in the community. Malnutrition is preventable and if treated early can improve patient outcome and save the NHS money. The cost of treatment is small compared with the potential benefits to be gained."
To register your interest & willingness to participate in Nutrition Screening Week, please email your contact details to the BAPEN Office bapen@sovereignconference.co.uk Tel: 01527-457850
For further information please contact:
Rhonda Smith
+44 (0) 1264 710428
rhonda@minervaprc.com
+44 (0) 7887 714957
Lizzie Smith
+44 (0) 1264 710428
lizzie@minervaprc.com
+44 (0) 7766 467535
Notes to Editors
Nutrition Screening Week is an initiative of BAPEN in collaboration with the British Dietetic Association and the Royal College of Nursing, supported by the National Patient Safety Agency.
What is BAPEN?
The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition is a multi-professional association and registered charity. Established in 1992, BAPEN is committed to improving nutritional care and treatment in hospital, care and the community.
What are BAPEN’s objectives?
-
Increase awareness of and enhance understanding and management of malnutrition
-
Establish a clinical governance framework to underpin the nutritional management of all patients, residents and individuals
-
Enhance knowledge and skills in clinical nutrition and nutritional care and treatment for doctors, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and patients through education & training
-
Communicate the benefits of clinical and cost-effective optimal nutritional care to all healthcare professionals, policy makers, patients and the public
Who are Members?
BAPEN meets the needs and interests of doctors, specialist clinicians, pharmacists, dietitians, nurses, care managers and professionals, academics, patients, researchers, public health & policy advisers, service and support providers and commercial organisations with an interest in nutrition and nutritional support.
What activities & projects are run by BAPEN?
-
Annual Conference & Regional meetings
-
BANS - British Artificial Nutrition Survey
-
'MUST' Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool & its implementation
-
MAG – Malnutrition Advisory Group
-
NICE and intercollegiate liaison
-
Training courses & materials
-
Newsletter, Reports, Website