NUTRITION FOCUSED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION WORKSHOP
The 2018 Skills Update Workshop was organised by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (SBAHS-UG) in collaboration with the University of North Florida (UNF). The aim of the workshop was to enhance and build on the skills and knowledge of Dieticians and Nutritionists in the implementation of Nutrition Focused Physical Examination (NFPE). The NFPE is a systematic head-to-toe examination of a patient's physical appearance and function to help determine nutritional status by uncovering any signs of malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, or nutrient toxicities.
The workshop was held on Friday August 3rd, 2018 at the Main Examination Hall of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu campus. The program begun with a welcome address by Professor Solomon Ofori-Acquah, Dean of School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences-UG. This was followed by a research presentation on the use of NFPE among Dieticians in Ghana by Dr Laurene Boateng, a faculty member with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics- UG. Professor Lauri Wright, director of the clinical nutrition program at UNF took participants through the AND/ASPEN (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) malnutrition criteria while Sherri Lewis, also from University of North Florida took participants through the NFPE process. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions after each presentation. Representatives from Nestle Nutrition were present to give a short presentation on the Nestle Nutrition Institute and the various opportunities it presents for health professionals interested in research.
The afternoon program consisted of a break-out session where participants worked in groups to discuss and practice NFPE on themselves. These discussions were led by Professor Lauri Wright and her team (i.e. Sherri Lewis and 3 UNF clinical nutrition doctoral students ).
About 240 people attended the workshop. Participants included Dieticians, Nutritionists, Dietetic Interns, National Service Personnel as well as faculty and students from other universities. The Head of Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Matilda Asante in her closing remarks encouraged participants to continually use NFPE skills in their practice.
SBAHS PR DESK