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Listen: Blended Diets in School with paediatric dietitian Carol Baguley
- 04/01/2022
Information for Healthcare Professional Use only
In this episode of the Inside Medical Nutrition podcast, Dr. Linia Patel interviews Carol Baguley, a paediatric dietitian, about managing blended diets in a school setting. Carol shares her journey from South Africa to becoming a specialist in paediatric nutrition in the UK.
Carol's current role involves providing optimal nutrition to children with neuro disabilities at a specialist school. She manages a caseload of around 80 children, many of whom are home enteral feeding (HEF) dependent, with a significant portion also consuming blended diets.
The conversation highlights the practicalities of managing blended diets in schools, including food preparation, storage, and hygiene. Carol emphasises the importance of a blended diet policy, which is followed meticulously. Staff training is crucial, with school nurses playing a key role in educating carers and parents.
The discussion touches on the importance of individualising blended diets and considering factors like texture and nutrient content. Carol also mentions the use of fortified foods and specialised plant-based alternatives creams to enhance nutritional value. Consideration is also given to the care of feeding tubes for those individuals receiving a blended diet.
Carol encourages listeners to consult the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for further information. She concludes by emphasising the positive impact of blended diets on children's well-being and the importance of a collaborative approach to care.
Carol discusses the impact of blended diets on children's quality of life, noting improvements in reflux, bowel habits, and social interaction. She shares a case study of a 17-year-old boy who transitioned to a 100% blended diet after numerous challenges with enteral feed intolerance, resulting in improved bowel habits, reduced vomiting, and better weight gain as well as an increase in social interactions.
Looking to the future, Carol believes blended diets are gaining popularity and emphasises the need for more resources and training. She highlights the importance of shared decision-making, involving all stakeholders, including schools, in developing training and policies.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about the practicalities of managing a blended diet.
For more information about blended diets watch these webinars on the N+ hub.
Participants
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Carol Baguley
