Ms Caroline Nicholls1, Ms Cheryl Brownlow1, Dr Nicola Clayton1,2,3, Ms Christine Parker1, Prof Peter Maitz1,3
1Concord Hospital, Concord, Australia, 2School of Health and Rehabilitation Services, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia, 3Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
Abstract:
Background:
Patients with severe burn injury require optimal nutrition for timely wound healing. Indirect calorimetry (IC) has been introduced as standard practice in Concord Hospital Burns Unit (BU) for assessing energy requirements. The FitMate® handheld calorimeter requires the subject to breathe through a mouthpiece for up to 20 minutes while at rest; the patient’s experience of this new procedure was investigated.
Aim:
To investigate the hospitalised burns patient experience of handheld calorimetry in the BU.
Method:
All patients admitted to the BU over a 12-month period, ≥18years with burn injuries ≥10%TBSA or ≥75years with any burn size, who had their resting energy expenditure (REE) measured using the FitMate®, were recruited to participate. Patients completed an anonymous survey regarding their nutritional concerns, experience of the test and perception of their results.
Results:
32 participants (22-male) were enrolled in the study. 70% were “not worried” about their nutrition prior to IC and 66% reported having “enough information” about the role of nutrition and wound healing. Over 80% reported the purpose and instructions for IC were “adequately explained”. 78% reported IC was “comfortable” or “very comfortable”, and 90% were able to breathe normally and remain still and relaxed during IC. 81% reported the time taken for testing was acceptable and agreed they would repeat the test. 73% found knowing their metabolic rate improved their motivation to eat meals or take supplement drinks.
Conclusion:
The FitMate® was well accepted by patients and provided valuable information for both the patient and clinician about their nutritional needs.
Biography:
Caroline Nicholls is a Senior Dietitian at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, working in Burns and Aged Care. She has over 15 years experience working with burn injured patients and is well recognised in the field of nutrition support and clinical research in severe burn injury.