PWE-420 An international multi-centre survey to assess resources allocation and nutritional practices in spinal cord injury centres

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> There is still uncertainty about the resource distribution between spinal cord injury centre (SCICs) and this may have implications to the quality of patient care.¹The present study aimed to review the service provision in SCICs; to establish and compare how much time dietitians spend in direct and indirect contact with patients, and to document current nutritional screening practices. <h3>Method</h3> All 12 SCICs in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland were surveyed by questionnaire in April 2014. Data collected included the number of whole-time-equivalent staff available, whether they use of nutrition screening tools. A work sampling tool was used to capture dietetic activity for a period of one week. <h3>Results</h3> Eight (66.7%) SCICs responded (390/531 of total beds) and the average numbers (median) of patients per whole-time-equivalent staff, including consultants (18), nurses (1.3), dietitians (93.4), physiotherapists (5.9), occupational therapists (10) were recorded and comapred with previous published figures (Table 1). Six out of eight SCICs used a validated nutritional screening tool. Thirty-two work sampling tool were analysed, dietitians spend 39.1% of the working day in direct patient-related activities. Dietetic staffing levels are varied and below clinical recommendations in 6 out of 8 SCICs. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The resources allocated to nutritional care in SCICs appear to be limited. This suggests malnutrition may continue to be under-recongnised and under-treated. To address the complex nutritional needs of this special population group, there is a clear need to establish staffing level for dietitians. Information collected from the present study could contribute to the supply analysis of future workforce planning exercise. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> None Declared. <h3>References</h3> Wong S, <i>et al</i>. Spinal Cord. 2012;50:132–135 NHS England. NHS standard contract for spinal cord injuries (all ages). NHS England, Redditch. 2013. http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-366content/uploads/2013/06/d13-spinal-cord.pdf[accessed 07.02.2015]