SW Hospital Standards in Dementia Care Standard 5: Nutrition and hydration needs are well met

Standard 5, Level 2 There is access within 12 hours to specialist assessment for and advice on helping patients with dementia in their swallowing and eating, with information provided to carers / families. Measures – “Audit of referrals for nurse led specialist assessment” and “Case reviews”

Next steps: List of questions agreed Small Speech and Language Therapy focus group gave initial consideration Views summarised from SW SLT Managers Group Key stakeholder views and suggestions to be sought Recommendations to be considered by hospital dementia leads

Questions considered: 1. Is Standard 5 Level 2 needed? 2. Is there agreement to the objective underpinning the level 2 standard? 3. What is the problem with the way it is currently stated? 4. How can the standard promote a proactive approach to identifying need/appropriate referral and timely response? 5. Is the problem one of resources available to implement the standard? 6. If the standard is appropriate what new or alternative approaches are recommended to deliver the spirit of this standard? 7. Is there a need for an agreed protocol based on a ‘decision tree’ or other tool? 8. What are the implications (patient care/resources) of implementing this standard which leaders will need to understand and endorse? 9. What are the recommendations for ensuring consistent delivery?

Comments and questions?