Frequent or complex mealtime difficulties can have adverse effects on relationships within families. Such issues require community-based prevention and early intervention to optimise the emotional well-being of families.
This article describes the relational component of mealtime difficulties, the effects on the emotional well-being and family relationships and the perceived needs of families for new service developments at a community level. In contrast to most of the literature regarding mealtime difficulties, which focus on behaviour training, parenting skills and nutrition education, this article concludes that the primary aim of an intervention for mealtime difficulties in the community should be to optimise interactions and relationships within families through a holistic, interdisciplinary approach.
Acknowledgements:
The authors would like to express heartfelt thanks to caregivers who participated in this study, colleagues who reviewed the questionnaire and LINK, Communities For Children and Regional Development Australia who funded this project.
Denise Stapleton Accredited Practising Dietitian, PhD, Private Practitioner, Perth, Australia.
Gillian Griffiths, Occupational Therapist, Private Practitioner, Karratha, Australia
Jill Sherriff, School of Public Health, Associate Professor, Lecturer, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Australia.
Article accepted for publication: June 2012
Mary Hickson & Margaret Hill describe the development, audit & training of community nurses in the use of a nutritional assessment tool for the elderly.
Community provision of nutritional support to patients who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake alone is increasing. These patients often have complex clinical and social needs due to their diagnosis and social circumstances, and thus require input and support from a number of different healthcare professionals. This article, from a winner of the JCN Writing Awards, outlines how concerted team working can provide a seamless service for patients requiring home enteral nutrition.
Acknowledgements:
The author wishes to acknowledge the support provided by the staff of the Home Enteral Nutrition Service of Lewisham Healthcare NHS trust.
Dr Omorogieva Ojo BSc MSc PhD RPHNutr. Senior Lecturer in Primary Care, Department of Acute and Continuing Care, School of Health and Social Care University of Greenwich
Ileen Patel BSc Service Lead, Home Enteral Nutrition Team, Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust
Andrew Hanson discusses why vitamin supplementation is valued in today's hectic world.
Dr. Sandra Drum-mond discusses ways in which community nurses can work towards detecting and preventing obesity in their clients.
Dr. Sandra Drummond suggests that going against traditional ideas and including sugar in a weight reducing diet may be beneficial in reducing weight and body fat percentages.
Karen Hyland, Janice Fiske & Dr. N. Mathews discuss the dental dietetic dilemma in patients with Parkinson’s disease. They give practical guidance in the nutritional and dental health management of Parkinson’s disease.
Karen Hyland Dip.Diet., MHM, SRD, Senior Dietician for the elderly and elderly mentally ill.
Janice Fiske FDS, BDS, M.Phil, Senior Lecturer & Honorary Consultant in Special Care Dentistry, Guy’s, King’s & St Thomas’ Dental Institute of King’s College, London.
Dr. N. Mathews MBBS, LRCP, MRCS, DGM, Staff Grade Physician. Both work for Barnet Healthcare NHS Trust, London.
Article accepted for publication April 1999.
Sue Green considers the use of oral dietary supplements to promote nutritional intake of adults in the primary care setting.
S. M. Green RN, BSc, MMedSci, PhD. Lecturer at the University of Hull, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Hull.
Article accepted for publication December 1999.
Steven Jeffry discusses how nurses can help patients/clients to maintain a healthy weight.
Steven Jeffry RGN, DN Cert is a Primary Care Manager and Community Practice Teacher, Kensington, London.
Article accepted for publication October 2000.
Sue Green discusses how nurses can promote appetite in older people.
Sue M. Green RN, BSc, MMedSci, PhD is a Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southampton, Southampton.
Article accepted for publication
September 2001.
