Guidelines
These guidelines have been developed to support primary care clinicians in the diagnosis of malnutrition and appropriate prescription of oral nutritional supplements (ONS). These guidelines aim to help support clinical and cost effective prescribing.
The identification, treatment and management of malnutrition in adults, including the appropriate prescription of oral nutrition supplements
- Algorithm 1: Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) prescribing algorithm for primary care clinicians
- Algorithm 2: Primary care clinician pathway for assessing and managing malnutrition risk
- Algorithm 3: Primary care clinician algorithm for reviewing and discontinuing ONS
- Algorithm 4: Nutritional management guidelines in Care Homes
Product guidance
In conjunction with the above guidelines a preferred list of ONS has been devised. The traffic light status should help to support appropriate prescribing. Green status indicating preferred products to prescribe, amber second line options and red status identifying products that should only be prescribed under specialist, dietetic advice where a green or amber status product is not suitable.
- Guide 1: GP Quick reference guide for prescribing ONS
- Guide 2: Extended Product Reference Guide
- Guide 3: Over the counter supplements
- GP quick reference guide for swapping ONS prescriptions
Clinician resources
These resources can support clinicians in diagnosing and assessing malnutrition risk.
- BAPEN: Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool – MUST
- Nutrition Checklist
- Underlying causes of malnutrition
Local dietetic teams
Please use the below referral forms to refer to your local borough dietetic service
- Local Dietetic Teams – referral information
- Bexley Community Dietitian Referral Form
- Bromley Community Dietitian Referral Form
- Greenwich Community Dietitian Referral Form
- Lambeth and Southwark Community Dietitian Referral Form
- Lewisham Community Dietitian Referral Form
Patient resources
These are resources that can be given to patients.
- Food fortification protocol for patients at medium and high risk of malnutrition
- Food first for Vegan and Vegetarian diets
- Food first – how to make nourishing drinks, sides, dessert and porridge
