Introduction/Summary to the Course

This course will give healthcare professionals an insight into healthy nutrition related to normal day to day life and healthy nutrition, plus a basic knowledge of anatomy of the digestive system.  We will discuss different medical conditions – such as diabetes and heart problems – and different age groups – such as children and elderly persons.  It will discuss specialised nutrition conditions, such as food allergies and malnutrition in hospital.  The final part of the course will be related to clinical nutrition, i.e. specialised nutrition provided to persons with special feeding problems and requirements.

Aim of the course

To provide a comprehensive course on different aspects of nutrition which would be helpful to healthcare professionals during their work.

Objectives

1.      To provide knowledge on the building blocks of the human body.

2.      To provide basic knowledge on the anatomy of the digestive system.

3.      To discuss nutrition in children, including obesity.

4.      To discuss nutrition related to elderly persons.

5.      To discuss clinical nutrition issues, local protocols and common problems encountered.

At the end of the course, the participants will be able:

1.      To mention the main building blocks of the human body and their functions.

2.      To outline the anatomy of the digestive system and the functions of the various parts.

3.      To outline the main points related to nutrition in children and the main problems experienced by children in Malta.

4.      To outline the main issues and problems related to nutrition in elderly persons.

5.      To outline the main clinical nutrition issues and common problems encountered within a hospital and community       setting.

6.      To be able to insert nasogastric tubes and take care of patients with the various kinds of enteral feeding tubes,          according to the local protocols.

7.      To identify and deal with the main problems encountered by people on enteral nutrition.

Course hours

The course will consist of:

·         20 hours of lecture and contact time

·         Minimum of 30 hours’ study time

Time of course

17:00 to 19:00

Assessment

An OPTIONAL final assessment consisting of multiple choice questions will be provided.  This will be done online with the result being given within the following week.

Time plan

Results

The mark will be based on a compulsory 80% attendance and an OPTIONAL pass of 70% or over in the online assessment.

Course Venue

• Address:  MUMN Headquarters, Les Lapins Courts, Court B No 3, Independance Avenue, Mosta