Fluids and Nutrition
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09039
Max group:
12
Assess, manage, and optimise patient hydration and nutrition in healthcare environments
Course Summary
Fluids and Nutrition
This course is designed for healthcare professionals to develop a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of managing hydration and nutrition in patient care. Participants will explore the physiological importance of fluids and nutrition, learn to assess individual needs, and implement effective care plans to support health and recovery. The course also covers the recognition and management of dehydration and malnutrition, the use of nutritional support methods, and the promotion of person-centred care. By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate nutritional and hydration care. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Importance of Hydration and Nutrition: Learn the physiological role of fluids and nutrition in maintaining health and recovery. Understand the impact of dehydration and malnutrition on patient outcomes. Assess Fluid and Nutritional Needs: Gain skills to evaluate individual patient requirements based on age, condition, and lifestyle. Use tools and techniques to identify hydration and nutritional deficits. Recognise and Address Dehydration and Malnutrition: Identify early and advanced signs of dehydration and malnutrition. Understand risk factors and vulnerable patient groups. Implement Effective Hydration and Nutrition Interventions: Learn about oral hydration, enteral feeding, and parenteral nutrition methods. Develop tailored care plans to meet individual needs. Promote Safe and Ethical Practices: Understand hygiene, food safety, and infection control related to nutritional care. Learn about ethical considerations, including patient consent and cultural preferences. Support Person-Centred Care: Deliver care that respects individual choices, cultural practices, and dietary requirements. Communicate effectively with patients and families about nutritional and hydration care. Monitor and Evaluate Care Plans: Learn how to monitor fluid and nutrition intake accurately. Adjust care plans based on patient progress and changing needs. Work with Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborate with dietitians, speech and language therapists, and other professionals. Understand the role of teamwork in managing complex nutritional needs. By completing this course, participants will be empowered to deliver high-quality, person-centred hydration and nutrition care, improving patient health and outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.
Course Contents
Introduction to Fluids and Nutrition in Healthcare
Importance of hydration and nutrition in patient care
Overview of key concepts: hydration, nutrition, and malnutrition
Impact of fluid and nutritional balance on health outcomes
Anatomy and Physiology of Hydration and Nutrition
Role of water and nutrients in the body’s functions
The digestive system and nutrient absorption
Fluid balance and homeostasis
Assessing Hydration and Nutritional Needs
Tools and techniques for assessing patient needs
Identifying risk factors for dehydration and malnutrition
Screening tools (e.g., MUST - Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool)
Recognising and Managing Dehydration Signs and symptoms of dehydration
Risk factors for dehydration in different patient groups Strategies for oral and intravenous hydration
Recognising and Managing Malnutrition
Types and causes of malnutrition (e.g., undernutrition, overnutrition)
Signs, symptoms, and complications of malnutrition
Nutritional interventions: oral, enteral, and parenteral support
Nutritional Support and Feeding Methods
Oral nutritional supplements: when and how to use them
Enteral feeding: indications, methods, and care of feeding tubes Parenteral nutrition: principles and monitoring
Promoting Safe and Ethical Practices
Hygiene and food safety in healthcare settings
Ethical considerations in nutrition and hydration (e.g., consent, cultural preferences)
Managing dietary restrictions and preferences
Developing and Implementing Care Plans
Creating person-centred fluid and nutrition care plans
Setting goals and monitoring progress
Adjusting interventions based on patient outcomes
Monitoring and Documentation
Accurate recording of fluid and nutritional intake
Recognising and responding to changes in patient status Reporting and escalating concerns
Supporting Special Populations
Nutritional care for older adults, paediatric patients, and those with chronic conditions
Managing complex needs, such as dysphagia and metabolic disorders
Cultural and religious considerations in dietary care
Multidisciplinary Approaches to Care Roles of dietitians, nurses, and allied health professionals in nutritional care
Collaborating effectively within teams to optimise patient outcomes Referral pathways for specialised support
Case Studies and Practical Applications
Analysing real-world scenarios to apply knowledge
Hands-on practice with feeding techniques and tools
Group discussions to share insights and best practices
Course Summary and Future Steps
Recap of key learning points and takeaways
Resources for continued professional development
Creating an action plan to implement knowledge in practice
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;