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Listen: Blended Tube Fed Diet Tips for Children with Paediatric Dietitian Catherine Fogarty

Podcast
Podcast
  • 07/12/2021
Managing a tube fed blended diet caseload

Information for healthcare professional use only

In this episode of the Inside Medical Nutrition Podcast, Dr. Linia Patel interviews Catherine Fogarty, a paediatric dietitian, about managing a tube-fed blended diet caseload. Cath shares her journey from being a chef to a dietitian, highlighting her passion for food and nutrition. She currently manages a caseload of 100 tube-fed children, with approximately 15% on blended diets.

Cath discusses the evolution of blended diet acceptance, noting the positive impact of the British Dietetic Association's policy statement in 2019. She emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach with parents, involving them in the decision-making process and providing education on food safety, preparation, and nutritional adequacy.

She outlines the challenges of managing a blended diet caseload, particularly with children who have neurological impairments or food aversions. Cath emphasises the need for a holistic approach, considering factors beyond the feed itself, such as the gut-brain axis and the child's social environment.

Cath shares strategies for managing her time, including prioritising urgent cases, utilising virtual consultations, and seeking support from colleagues and professional organisations like DISC (Dietitians Interested in Special Children). She stresses the importance of starting slowly with blended diets, treating it like weaning, and empowering parents to make informed choices.

Cath highlights the need for more resources and guidance for dietitians managing blended diet caseloads, including safe caseload recommendations and recipe books tailored to specific needs. She encourages dietitians to embrace blended diets as a valuable tool for improving the nutrition and quality of life for tube-fed children, while always prioritising food safety and individual patient needs.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about managing a caseload of patients using blended diets.
 

Participants

  • Participante - Cath Fogarty

    Cath Fogarty

  • Participante - Linia Patel

    Dr Linia Patel

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