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Listen: How to manage the cost of a blended diet with paediatric team lead Harriet Farr

Podcast
Podcast
  • 19/07/2023
Listen: How to manage the cost of a blended diet with paediatric team lead Harriet Farr

Information for Healthcare Professional Use Only

In this episode of the Inside Medical Nutrition podcast, Dr. Linia Patel interviews Harriet Farr, a paediatric home enteral feeding dietitian, about navigating blended diets on a budget amidst the current cost of living crisis. Harriet shares her journey into dietetics and her passion for supporting children requiring tube feeding.

The conversation begins with a definition of what is a blended diet, emphasising the use of real food ingredients blended to a suitable consistency for administration via gastrostomy tubes. Harriet also mentions commercially made feeds with food-derived ingredients. She then delves into the practical aspects of supporting families on blended diets, including liaising with medical teams, providing information on benefits and potential problems, and ensuring safe preparation and administration.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families using blended diets. Harriet acknowledges the financial strain and the reluctance of parents to discontinue blended diets due to the positive impact on their children's gastrointestinal symptoms. She emphasises the importance of dietitians being aware of these challenges and offering practical solutions.

Harriet provides several budget-friendly tips, such as utilising more affordable protein sources like beans and lentils, which also offer added fibre. She suggests considering frozen fruits and vegetables and batch cooking to reduce costs and time. Harriet also highlights the importance of menu planning, shopping lists, and buying in bulk.

The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects, emphasising the need for dietitians to be empathetic and understanding of the challenges families face. Harriet encourages open communication and tailoring advice to individual circumstances. The podcast concludes with a discussion of resources, including local food banks and grants, that can provide additional support to families struggling with the cost of blended diets.

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more blended diets in paediatric enteral nutrition.

We also have a number of webinars on blended diets which you can watch to learn more and a further podcast on blended diets in transitional care.
 

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