BAPEN has today launched a new resource developed jointly with PINNT which will support patients in optimising their nutritional care.
Developed by a dedicated Patient Network Development Group including representatives from PINNT, BAPEN and each of BAPEN’s Core Groups, the resource explains nutrition quality standards in a tangible way to support patient understanding around what care they can expect. It covers the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) quality standards for adults who are receiving oral, enteral or parenteral nutrition support, and offers a comprehensive checklist for patients to discuss with their care team.
The launch of the resource coincides with Home Artificial Nutrition Awareness (HAN) Week which aims to raise awareness of essential home treatments that provide nutrition and hydration for people. BAPEN believes that every patient should know who to contact regarding their (artificial) nutrition support, and that this should be easily accessible.
BAPEN President, Dr Trevor Smith, commented: “I am pleased to announce the launch of this new patient resource, developed by BAPEN’s Patient Network Development Group. This resource has been co-created by a multidisciplinary team of people within BAPEN and our Core Groups, all dedicated to ensuring that anyone receiving nutrition support feels empowered with regards to what they can reasonably expect from their care. We hope this highlights the importance of a comprehensive nutritional care assessment and the implementation of a holistic nutritional care plan which works for the individual who is in need of nutrition support.”
Carolyn Wheatley, PINNT Chair, said: “There are some quality standards which directly affect patients receiving nutrition support at home, and our aim with this resource has been to explain these and provide a simple checklist for patients so they know what kind of things to discuss with their healthcare team. We want to ensure everyone reaching nutrition support has a comprehensive understanding of the care they should be receiving, and is therefore confident to ask the right questions at the right time. We’re delighted to be launching the resource during HAN Week and look forward to seeing the difference it will make to so many patients.”
HAN Week, championed by PINNT, runs from the 7th – 13th of August 2023 and aims to celebrate the lifeline that is home artificial nutrition and engage everyone whose lives are touched by it, from patients and their families through to healthcare professionals and those working in nutrition.
To access the new patient resource visit the BAPEN website here, or the PINNT website here. To find out more about how you can still get involved with HAN Week 2023, as well as seeing the activities to date, visit pinnt.com or follow @PINNTCharity on Twitter.
