We piloted a project to improve the appropriate prescribing of ONS (Oral Nutritional Supplements) within the borough of Knowsley.
The aim of the project was to ensure that ONS are given away from mealtimes.
Most of the time, the prescribed instructions are “to give one twice a day” or “three times a day”. We noted in the care homes that the oral supplements were served at the same time as the meals resulting in the residents either declining them because they were already full of the meal, or they refuse the food if they had just had the supplement.
The outcomes are an increase/maintain of the weight of the residents, an improvement in their general health condition, deprescribe ONS for those patients who do not need oral nutritional supplements (creating a economical saving for the NHS) and an improve in the communication and relationship between GPs, dietetic team, and care home staff.
