The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at Addenbrooke's is actively involved in research and development (R&D), and funds staff to undertake R&D that will benefit patient care.

Examples of current/recent areas of activity are:

Research project on percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding patients undergoing stem-cell transplants (allografts)

  • The aim of the study is to determine if PEG feeding during an allogenic bone marrow transplant (BMT) or peripheral blood stem-cell transplant (PBSCT) is an effective way to provide nutritional support in comparison to total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Re-audit of naso-jejunal (NJ) feeding protocol for patients undergoing autologous BMT/PBSCT. The objectives of this study are to:

  • ensure that the patients' nutritional requirements are being met during treatment.

  • ensure that the patients' nutritional status is not adversely affecting their recovery

Audit of weight loss for inpatients undergoing radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

  • This audit started in March 2004. It is envisaged that its results will be used to make recommendations for elective percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion in sub-groups of head and neck cancer patients before they have radical radiotherapy treatment.

Four patient satisfaction surveys with Oralbalance mouth moisturising gel

  • This survey is ongoing.

Five allied health professional (AHP) questionnaire for patients after head and neck radiotherapy treatment

  • This asks patients to consider the service provided by the AHP team throughout their radiotherapy treatment. Questionnaire results will be used as a foundation for focus group work with both patients and carers, and used to develop an AHP-led post-radiotherapy support clinic for patients.

Audit of the Trust's Nutrition Screening Tool – accuracy and reproducibility

  • The department has been actively involved in developing the NST alongside a multidisciplinary team, including experienced research personnel.

  • A research grant was given to pilot and validate this tool.

  • More recently the Malnutrition Advisory Group (MAG) Screening Tool has been piloted. Initial results did not demonstrate a good correlation between the nursing assessment and the dietetic assessment. Further training and a second pilot was undertaken. This too failed to demonstrate good correlation and a new tool is to be used. The department is now evaluating alternative tools.

  • Once in place all patients at nutritional risk should be referred to the dietitian, ensuring both early dietetic assessment and equity of care.

Home enteral feeding in children – feeding related complications.

  • Completed and will be re-audited.

Paediatric outpatient clinics – DNA (patient did not attend) rates and invitation to treat letters.

  • Ongoing.

Weight reduction programme for overweight patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

  • Over the past year, we have been conducting a weight reduction programme for overweight patients having peritoneal dialysis (PD). This has involved integrating the care of the renal dietitian, dialysis research nurse, physiotherapist and an exercise instructor in a group setting. Eight patients completed the study, and collectively, were successful in losing 34.1 kg. Excellent feedback was received and this has enabled us to start with a new study group for 2004. The results of this study were presented at the British Renal Society Annual Conference (May 2004)and in and the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (August 2004). A scientific paper has also been published in Peritoneal Dialysis International.

Examples of past achievements:

Dietetic-led IBS Clinic

  • It is estimated that 50% of referrals to gastroenterology clinics are for irritable bowel syndrome.

  • Research at Addenbrooke's indicates 51% of these patients benefit from dietary intervention.

  • Patients were screened at referral by a consultant and, if appropriate, seen by the dietitian before their consultant appointment, thus reducing the waiting list for the consultant. Project results shows this to be very effective for patients, who were seen and treated quicker. This initially commenced as a feasibility study for one year but due to its effectiveness permanent funding was sought and obtained for the development of a full Dietetic-led IBS service, which started in October 2002.

Fluid balance control and blood pressure audit in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) Patients

  • Fluid control, thirst and blood pressure are major issues for renal and CAPD patients. This study, undertaken with a research nurse, audited patients’ fluid control against a subjective assessment of thirst.

  • The findings were presented as a poster at International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis in Montreal in 2001.

Other useful links:

For further information contact: The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Box 119, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 216 655; Fax: 01223 216 824
Last updated: 20 July 2005
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