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Research education and training in Translational Science develops and sustains a workforce to efficiently advance studies designed to improve human health. We evaluated the effectiveness of a Translational Science Training (TST) TL1 Program. Participants had significantly better publications/year, citations/year, h-index, and m-quotient than nonparticipants. Female and male participants, and participants from underrepresented and well-represented backgrounds, performed similarly on all bibliometric assessments. Finally, TST/TL1 Program participants outperformed students from other PhD programs at our institution. This analysis suggests that the TST/TL1 Program has been effective for participants, including those who are female and from underrepresented backgrounds.

Aims To meet the needs of the increasingly aged frail population (projected to almost double by 2050), an integrated population-based end-of-life care service, founded on Gold Standards Framework (GSF) principles and the Ambitions Framework is using a collaborative approach to learn lessons, address inequity and build on its solid foundations. Methods Mid-Notts End of Life Care Together Alliance (EOLCT) spread GSF to GP practices and care homes, mainstreaming a proactive approach, later spread to the wider Notts Integrated Care System/ICS population. Local hospices are working in partnership with community, third sector and acute sector organisations to lead development and expand capacity and flexibility of the service. The partners led on advance care planning, Respect implementation, a new ICS end of life strategy, a co-designed care-co-ordination service and regular interdisciplinary training for all care providers. Progress in population-based end-of-life care was assessed using robust comparative audits of digital record-sharing (EPaCCS) data against whole-system GSF end-of-life care metrics. Results Nottinghamshire data shows (trend 2019- 2021) Earlier patient identification (0.22-0.66%). Earlier and increased advance care planning (ACP) discussions and improving quality Respect forms (audited). Those on register attaining preferred place of care/death (54.7-67%). Reduced hospitalisation and system resource savings (10%Quipp). Better outcomes for individuals (commendations, fewer complaints). Nottinghamshire’s use of GSF and ACP laid the foundations for a later robust, generalist-led response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion A key challenge for our health/social care systems is responding to the increasing care needs of frail co-morbid patients. Our strong foundations enabled quick integrated responses for the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, toolkits for primary and social care at the onset and increased resilience and sustainability thereafter.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the use of bolus tube feeding is increasing in the long-term home enteral tube feed (HETF) patients. A cross-sectional survey to assess the prevalence of bolus tube feeding and to characterise these patients was undertaken. Dietitians from ten centres across the UK collected data on all adult HETF patients on the dietetic caseload receiving bolus tube feeding (n 604, 60 % male, age 58 years). Demographic data, reasons for tube and bolus feeding, tube and equipment types, feeding method and patients’ complete tube feeding regimens were recorded. Over a third of patients receiving HETF used bolus feeding (37 %). Patients were long-term tube fed (4·1 years tube feeding, 3·5 years bolus tube feeding), living at home (71 %) and sedentary (70 %). The majority were head and neck cancer patients (22 %) who were significantly more active (79 %) and lived at home (97 %), while those with cerebral palsy (12 %) were typically younger (age 31 years) but sedentary (94 %). Most patients used bolus feeding as their sole feeding method (46 %), because it was quick and easy to use, as a top-up to oral diet or to mimic mealtimes. Importantly, oral nutritional supplements (ONS) were used for bolus feeding in 85 % of patients, with 51 % of these being compact-style ONS (2·4 kcal (10·0 kJ)/ml, 125 ml). This survey shows that bolus tube feeding is common among UK HETF patients, is used by a wide variety of patient groups and can be adapted to meet the needs of a variety of patients, clinical conditions, nutritional requirements and lifestyles.

This pilot study evaluated a high-energy, high-protein, peptide-based, (medium-chain triglycerides) MCT-containing enteral tube feed (Nutrison Peptisorb Plus HEHP&reg, Nutricia Ltd., Trowbridge, BA14 0XQ, UK.) containing 1.5 kcal/mL and 7.5 g protein/100 mL. Fifteen community-based, enterally tube-fed adults (42 (SD 16.3) years) received the intervention feed daily for 28 days, with gastrointestinal tolerance, compliance and nutrient intake assessed at baseline and after the intervention period. Incidence and intensity of constipation (p = 0.496), nausea (p = 1.000), abdominal pain (p = 0.366) and bloating (p = 0.250) remained statistically unchanged, yet the incidence and intensity of diarrhoea improved significantly after receiving the intervention feed (Z = &minus, 2.271, p = 0.023). Compliance with the intervention feed was significantly greater compared to the patient&rsquo, s baseline regimens (99% vs. 87%, p = 0.038). Compared to baseline, use of the intervention feed enabled patients to significantly increase total energy (1676 kcal/day (SD 449) to 1884 kcal/day (SD 537), p = 0.039) and protein intake (73 g/day (SD 17) to 89 g/day (SD 23), p = 0.001), allowing patients to better achieve energy (from 88% to 99%, p = 0.038) and protein (from 101% to 121%, p &lt, 0.001) requirements. This pilot study demonstrates that a high-energy, high-protein, peptide-based, MCT-containing enteral tube feed maintains gastrointestinal tolerance and improves compliance, energy and protein intake in complex, enterally tube-fed, community-based adult patients, though more work is recommended to confirm this.

Julie Barker takes a look at the growing trend for universities to open nurseries on their sites to support students, staff and children, and how this can lead to growth opportunities for providers.