The specific aims of the project were to:

■ improve knowledge about malnutrition issues for care workers and qualified nurses in nursing homes ■ ensure early identification of malnutrition and reduce unnecessary referrals to GPs, dietetics services and hospitals

■ promote the food first approach (best practice states nutritional supplements should not be used as first line treatment, rather everyday meals and snacks should be fortified to increase calories and protein)

■ reduce the use of nutritional supplements – as a direct consequence of the improvement in implementing the food first approach

■ increase understanding and application of Nutritional Support Guidelines

■ increase and/ or improve the use of fluid or hydration charts and the use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool

■ work with chefs and catering leads to devise specific menus and snacks to address the specific issues identified for individuals

■ improve communication between teams

■ contribute to a reduction in adult protection referrals linked to nutrition.

Find out more:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/