title: Nutritional advice for community patients: insights from a panel discussion.
abstract: This article describes the conclusions of an expert panel that discussed four case studies; these were examples of patients typically encountered by nurses working in the community. The panel considered the nutritional and lifestyle advice that could be given by nurses relating to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, vulnerability to common infections, elderly care, recurrent urinary tract infection, antibiotic use, and risk of type 2 diabetes. A general conclusion was the importance of motivational interviewing techniques in achieving full understanding of patients' concerns and to determine the best health strategy. As well as specific guidance appropriate for each disorder, a range of information sources for both health professionals and patients are listed in the paper. The panel noted that, although general nutritional advice can be given by nurses working at GP surgeries and in the community, patients should always be referred to registered dietitians or nutritionists if significant dietary changes are considered.
authors.affiliation: Science Director, Yakult UK Limited, South Ruislip, UK.
authors.forename: Linda V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: GP, Whiteladies Health Centre, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Gill
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.affiliation: Operational & Strategic Director, Cuckoo Lane Surgery, Hanwell, UK.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Belton
authors.affiliation: Education Lead & Associate Trainer, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, Welwyn Garden City, UK.
authors.forename: Suzie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.affiliation: Practice Nurse in Centric Health and vice-Chair Irish Practice Nurse Association, Newbridge, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Ciara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.affiliation: Assistant Science Manager, Yakult UK Limited, South Ruislip, UK.
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Senior Science Officer, Yakult Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Joy
authors.affiliation: Consultant Registered Dietitian, JL Nutrition Clinic, Sevenoaks, Kent, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Low
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Munson
authors.affiliation: Science Officer, Yakult UK Limited, South Ruislip, UK.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sheppard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing
keywords: depression; diabetes; elderly care; irritable bowel syndrome; nutrition