Malnutrition Pathway Primary Care Network Portal
PCN RESOURCES HOME PAGE RESOURCES A-Z RETURN TO MAIN SITEParamedics assess and triage patients, make necessary referrals to other members of the primary care team and advise patients on general healthcare and promote self-management where appropriate. They are often the first healthcare professional to see a patient who has reported an illness or incident and will often see patients in their home, so can perceive if they are visibly struggling. They can play an important role in identifying those at risk of malnutrition and signposting them on to appropriate professionals for further support.
There are several useful resources available to assist Paramedics in identifying malnutrition risk and in initiating conversations about diet:
The Malnutrition Pathway has produced a useful list of questions to help you obtain information and assist with selecting the most appropriate course of action and dietary advice resources for each individual.
The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) has a simple to follow screening tool; it makes the necessary calculations and advises on further treatment for individuals who are experiencing unexplained weight loss and/or are experiencing a loss of appetite/poor appetite.
The Malnutrition Pathway COPD resources
The Malnutrition Pathway patient and carer resources: Green, Yellow and Red leaflets
GREEN: Eating Well for those at low risk of malnutrition; how to eat a balanced diet.
YELLOW: Your Guide to Making the Most of Your Food for those at medium risk of malnutrition; how to fortify foods.
RED: Nutrition Drinks (known as oral nutritional supplements) for those at high risk of malnutrition and who have been prescribed oral nutritional supplements. This leaflet gives advice on how best to incorporate oral nutritional supplements into the diet.