The purpose of this document is to provide evidence-based advice for nutrition management of critically ill and acutely unwell hospitalised patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides key adaptations of usual best practice, taking into consideration staff safety, reduced staffing, resource utilisation, and the clinical condition of the patients.
- AuSPEN Statement of Support for People Requiring Artificial Nutrition at Home
AuSPEN would like to acknowledge the unprecedented situation that COVID-19 has created, with high demand for acute hospital supplies and stock shortages.
People in our communities requiring artificial nutrition at home have ongoing need for access to infection control products, and AuSPEN would like to acknowledge the stress that shortages have placed on them. Community members on home parenteral and enteral nutrition can be at high risk of infection, and ensuring access to appropriate supplies is essential.
We would like to openly thank our industry companies in ensuring our vulnerable community members are supported and for their support in directing stock to ensure a steady supply of appropriate products.
AuSPEN would also like to request all hospitals supplying artificial nutrition supplies to people in the community to please ensure supplies are allocated for vulnerable clients. We encourage nutrition teams within each hospital to reach out to their vulnerable clients to discuss any stock issues and to provide alternative options should supply be compromised.