Following a new research finding that the use of home enteral nutrition (HEN) services at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New South Wales has increased by more than 250 per cent since 2005, dietitians are appealing to the Federal Government to make HEN services fair and equitable across the country. Dietitians suggest a national HEN framework which includes:

• Improved access to Accredited Practising Dietitians to provide quality nutrition care to HEN patients
• Nationally-consistent subsidies to HEN products
• A centralised register of HEN patients, or incorporating HEN information into existing electronic medical records programs
• Funding for multidisciplinary teams and dietitian HEN coordinators.

Researchers and APDs Sonia Faruquie and Elizabeth Parker said that there is limited data on HEN patient numbers across Australia. Since there is no national funding for HEN, access to the services currently depends on the state or territory which vary in standards.

HEN patients, who suffer conditions such as cancer, respiratory disease and neurological disorders like stroke, are nourished through special feeding tubes or nutrition drinks. Monthly HEN costs at the hospital vary between $300 and $500 per month for tube-fed patients. Efficient system for HEN services will mean earlier hospital discharge and less readmissions due to complications. Estimates suggest this could save the health care system up to $8 million per year.

More articles on My Health Career:

• Should you weigh your child – by Melanie McGrice
• Dietitians Association Australia raises diet of ATSI people as a key area in Closing the Gap – by Amanda Griffiths
• Misleading the masses with bad science about food and diet
• New dairy recommendation for endurance athletes from AIS

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