Sixth edition of Manual of Dietetic Practice

28 October 2019

RHN dieticians write specialist chapter in sixth edition of Manual of Dietetic Practice

Four Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) dietitians, Emma Craig, Tanita Manton Jennie Dunwoody and Lydia Fletcher, have been commissioned to write a chapter in the sixth edition Manual of Dietetic Practice, published by Wiley Blackwell, and edited by Dr Joan Gandy.

The chapter, Neurorehabilitation, is about evidenced based dietetic practise in neurorehabilitation. It is the second time they have written this chapter. It draws heavily on their joint 42 years of  neuro-dietetic experience.

The Manual of Dietetic Practice National is the international textbook for dietitians. Student dietitians use it during their training. It is also a reference book for qualified dietitians.

The chapter offers a practical way to nutritionally manage this complex group of people by using robust evidence and experience of the specialist dietitians who work in this area. It raises the profile of the RHN as a centre of research-based expertise in neurorehabilitation.

Dietetics at the RHN

Good diet and nutrition underpins a patient’s overall health and wellbeing, and can help to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

The dietitians at the RHN are responsible for making sure that each patient’s nutritional needs are met. Following a brain injury, many patients have difficulty swallowing and may rely on tube feeding  to receive all of their nutrition and hydration.

Some may have a combination of tube feeding and food by mouth due to difficulties in taking in enough food. Others may be able to fully eat and drink by mouth but require additional help to maintain a healthy weight.