Congratulations to Claire and Sarah, oncology dietitians, for winning the Allied Health Professional (AHP) Innovation and Improvement Award!

Their hard work and dedication to creating a digital tool that empowers patients with nutritional guidance has truly made a difference to people living with cancer.

This is a well-deserved recognition for their vision and commitment to inclusivity and evidence-based, outstanding care.

Read their nomination below...

"Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, oncology dietitians Claire and Sarah, observed a worrying trend: fewer face-to-face interactions meant fewer diagnosed and treated nutritional issues for cancer patients. Recognising the need for accessible, patient-led support, they set out to create a digital self-screening tool. 

Their vision was to create an innovative, 24/7 accessible resource, signposting patients towards relevant, evidence-based information. To get there, they secured funding from the local cancer alliance and involved patients and stakeholders right from the start.

Choosing the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for its simplicity and NHS familiarity, Claire and Sarah created the digital tool alongside NHS Creative. Not forgetting digital divides, they also created informative posters and flyers with QR codes with instructions for easier access and purchased six tablets for patients/carers to use when attending their outpatient appointments. They have also trained the healthcare assistants in the clinic waiting room to ensure support is in place.

Following a pilot, Claire and Sarah collected the feedback and refined the tool, resulting in a powerful resource offering:

  • First-line nutritional advice: No additional funding or manpower needed; the tool empowers patients to access initial guidance.
  • Relevant resources: patients receive bitesize advice directly relevant to their individual needs.
  • Built-in clinical safety: The tool advises patients to contact their doctor or clinical nurse specialist if necessary.

Claire and Sarah's vision extends beyond their clinical work. The tool's potential has sparked interest from primary and secondary care providers, both locally and nationally, leading to its hosting on the Wessex Cancer Alliance website, now reaching patients across the UK. Their imminent collaboration with the Academic Health Science Network will further evaluate the tool and gather valuable feedback from patients and carers.

In conclusion, Claire and Sarah's innovative digital tool addresses a critical need. It empowers patients with accessible, relevant nutritional guidance, while demonstrating an impressive commitment to inclusivity and evidence-based care. Their dedication and vision have not only impacted their local population but hold the potential to significantly improve the lives of people with cancer across the UK."