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Ambulatory Nutrition Support

Read about the ambulatory support benefits one may gain through the Ambulatory Nutrition Support programme, even after being discharged from the hospital.

The Importance of Ambulatory Nutrition Support

Conditions such as malnutrition and diabetes are prevalent in hospitalised patients. If left uncontrolled, these conditions can be detrimental and even life-threatening to a patient’s health. The Ambulatory Nutrition Support (ANS) service under the National University Hospital’s Transitional Care Programme provides continued care for such discharged patients in the comfort of their homes.

As part of the programme, dietitians from the hospital will follow up and monitor patients with personalised nutritional treatment.

Related: Nutrition and Dietetics

Objectives of Ambulatory Nutrition Support

Improve the nutritional status of malnourished patients
Provide education to and diet monitoring of diabetic patients in order to reduce recurrent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)

ANS Programme Outline

Malnourished, underweight and diabetic patients are the focus of the ANS programme
The ANS service includes telephone calls and home visits by a dietitian every month for a maximum of three months
Our dietitians will provide nutritional assessment, personalised nutrition intervention plans and nutritional advice during the visit
Nutritional supplements will be prescribed, if necessary

Ambulatory Support Benefits and Advantages

Smooth transition and continued care for patients will be provided even after they return home from the hospital
Medical, nursing and allied health staff will monitor patients in the comfort and privacy of their homes and community
Family members and caregivers will be more confident about caring for their loved ones through training and education provided by the ANS service
Patients are likely to experience better outcomes such as improved functionality and quality of life as their nutritional status improves