Assessment

A nutritional assessment is a systematic process of collecting and interpreting information in order to make decisions about the nature and cause of nutrition related health issues that affect an individual, a group or a population.

We offer two main services; a nutritional assessment carried out by a dietitians and a multidisciplinary feeding assessment where other professionals such as; speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists may be involved. Depending on each child's presentation and symptoms we can advise on which assessment would be most beneficial.

Dietetic nutritional assessment

A nutritional assessment from one of our paediatric dietitians will consist of an "ABCDEF" approach, this includes the following:

Anthropometry: measurement of weight and height/length are necessary in calculating dietary requirements as well as tracking and monitoring the effects of dietary interventions. When there are concerns regarding growth and weight gain accurate routine measurements are required in children and young people.

Biochemical: biochemical data from laboratory tests carried out on both blood and urine can be useful and important indicators of nutritional status. We do not carry these tests during our clinic consultations, but we are trained to interpret any results available and how these may be affecting a child or young person's nutritional status.

Clinical / physical: clinical and physical signs and symptoms of malnutrition are valuable aids in assessing a child or young person for nutritional deficiencies or inadequacies. These include faltering growth or delayed growth and development which are determined by using age and sex appropriate evidence based reference standards.

Dietary: dietary intake can be assessed in a number of ways including, 24 hour dietary recalls, reported diet histories, food record charts, food diaries or a food frequency questionnaire. These methods are not mutually exclusive and a combination is often used to help obtain the greatest depth of information. In children and young people we also assess the texture and presentation of foods being offered to ensure they are age appropriate and developmentally suitable for each individual child or young person.

Environmental / behavioural / social: environmental, behavioural and social factors can influence on the nutritional status of children and young people. These can include fizzy drink consumption, activity levels, sedentary behaviours, parent’s nutritional knowledge, family income to mention but a few.

Patient focused: We promise to provide a patient focused service looking at each child and young person at an individual level and providing them with tailored plans to meet their individual needs.

Whilst carrying out each dietetic assessment we aim to identify and diagnose the nutrition related problem of concern, we then develop an individualised treatment and monitoring plan. All plans are regularly monitored and achieve improved nutritional status and health of each child or young person. We are results focused and ensure the most up to date evidence-based reference standards are used in achieving improved nutritional status of each child under our care.

Make a referral

To refer a child to our services this can be done online, or by calling 0161 820 8262 or emailing office@kids feedingteam.co.uk

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A multidisciplinary team assessment

A multidisciplinary team approach is of benefit to some babies and children. This is predominantly when your child has another underlying diagnosis (such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome), which is in turn impacting on their ability to feed. Your child’s ability to feed can be affected due to a number of reasons such as, an unsafe swallow or the inability to use cutlery. A multidisciplinary team assessment would include a dietetic assessment, speech and language therapy assessment and occupational therapy assessment.

Dietetic

A dietetic assessment involves assessing the child’s nutritional status and growth history. Along with any reported symptoms associated with feeding.

Speech and language therapist

A speech and language therapist would assess the child or young person’s swallow for any mechanical issues and to ensure safe feeding. They would also advise on methods of overcoming food aversion.

Occupational therapy assessment

An occupational therapy assessment would involve assessing the child’s fine motor skills providing suitable adaptations where required, such as patient specific cutlery or chairs.

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapy assessment may involve looking at the child’s posture , or looking at the muscles involved in chewing.

Psychology

A pscyhology assessment can find out if there is any underlining issues regarding your behaviour

Outcomes of multidisciplinary assessment :

Following an assessment from our multidisciplinary team there is a number of positive outcomes you can expect including;

• Advice on appropriate and safe textures for your child to be feeding on, minimising any risks of aspiration.
• A varied balanced diet that is age appropriate and nutritionally complete.
• Optimum growth following along his/her growth chart centile lines.
• Advice regarding appropriate feeding position and any modifications that may be required to equipment such as seating or cutlery.

If you feel your baby or child could benefit from our multidisciplinary team assessment or you have any further queries regarding this service please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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